The royal wing slept under a hush so deep it felt unnatural.
Even the guards posted along the moonlit corridors moved as if afraid to disturb something older than the stone beneath their feet.
Ivy padded barefoot across the cold marble floor, her breath shallow, her senses stretched thin. Since the poisoning, the world had changed. Every scent was sharper. Every sound echoed louder. Power thrummed beneath her skin like a living thing, restless and hungry.
And tonight, that power pulled her somewhere forbidden.
The Ancient Library.
Few knew it existed. Fewer still were allowed inside.
Yet the moment she’d closed her eyes, she’d seen its doors massive slabs of obsidian etched with glowing runes waiting.
Calling.
She stopped before them now.
Two towering wolf statues flanked the entr
