Elaria started for the door, then paused. She turned back to her mother and hugged her tightly. "Thank you for telling me. For trusting me with the truth."
Lyra held her close. "Be careful, my daughter. Love makes us strong, but it also makes us vulnerable. Don't let anyone use your bond against you."
"I won't."
As Elaria hurried through the palace halls, Martha fell into step beside her. The old woman moved surprisingly fast for her age.
"Your mother told you," Martha said. It wasn't a question.
"Yes. Everything."
"Good. You needed to know." Martha glanced around, making sure no one was listening. "But there's more she doesn't know. Things I've learned over the years about shadow magic and void creatures."
"Like what?"
"Later. First, let's see what has your prince so agitated. I c
