Adam's POV
I watched as Atlas took one last look at Ava before turning back to the arena. Good. Let him have it. My face would be the last thing he saw before I crushed it.
I could feel the madness trying to creep in at the edges. Ever since losing Sorena, I had been drinking from Azure Lake daily to stay ahead of the dragon sickness. I took a long pull from the flask I carried and let the water's power move through me. Then I looked at Ava.
She was strong and powerful. A true queen. The same qualities that had made Sorena the only thing keeping me together. She would make a fine replacement, and nothing — not my brother, not my guilt, not the weight of everything I had done — was going to change that.
The time had come to show this kingdom who truly deserved to rule Draconis. I glance
