Maximus's POV
“What about Milandra?” I demanded, stepping closer.
Soraya’s chest rose and fell in ragged breaths. Her face was pale, her eyes darting toward the forest behind her as if she expected something to crawl out of the shadows.
“I was in my room,” she whispered, voice trembling. “When I felt it. Her shadows—they’re beginning to awaken.”
The words hit me like a punch to the gut.
“What do you mean by her shadows?” I asked, my tone sharper than I intended.
She swallowed hard, her throat bobbing. “They’re her loyal servants,” she said shakily. “Creatures of dark magic bound to her soul. They would do anything for her. Even in death.”
A chill ran through me, sharp and biting.
Her eyes suddenly flicked around the forest. She froze, her breath catching. “One was here.”
My muscl
