"Wake up. We have a problem."
Elaria struggled up from sleep, confused and disoriented. Sunlight streamed through the windows. Draven was already out of bed, pulling on clothes with urgent movements.
"What's wrong?" She sat up, pulling the sheets around herself.
"Selene escaped from the dungeons. Sometime during the night." Draven's expression was grim. "And she took three guards with her—all dead. Killed by shadow magic."
That woke Elaria completely. "How is that possible? She's not void-touched. She can't command shadows."
"She can now. Or something can through her." Draven threw her a robe. "Get dressed. Your father is calling an emergency council meeting."
Fifteen minutes later, they were in the small council chamber. King Zarek sat at the head of the table, looking exhausted. Ca
