Atlas's POV
Tell me, Atlas, why don't you want me?
The question landed exactly where it was supposed to. I stayed with it for a moment before answering.
"Women killed my mother," I said.
Ava's POV
He seemed to travel somewhere inside himself after saying it. I waited.
Rose was sitting quietly by a tree near the lake, watching Atlas with an expression that was equal parts love and grief.
"Tell me your story," I said, and sat down on the ground. He stood for another moment, then sat across from me, eyes on the water.
"Five years ago, my father and mother ruled Draconis. This realm is called the Shadow Realm. We stay apart from other realms — it is our custom. The kingdom across that barrier belongs to the witches. Our two kingdoms have been at war for as long as I can remember. There
