“You shouldn't be walking," Vera said, catching Carlisle as he staggered near the palace chapel.
“I'm not walking," he muttered. “I'm limping with pride."
She rolled her eyes. “Your veins are glowing again."
He looked down. Moonstone filaments pulsed faintly beneath his skin—like threads of lightning trying to break free.
“They're unstable," he admitted. “It's getting worse."
“You said the bond was broken."
“It is. But the stone didn't leave with it."
Vera's chest tightened. “Then we didn't sever the root. Just the rope."
Carlisle gave a dry laugh. “Welcome to my curse."
---
Inside the chapel, the air shimmered with heat.
Carlisle collapsed onto the floor beside the altar, sweating, trembling.
Vera knelt beside him. “What do I do?"
He gritted his teeth. “Leave."
“No."
“I'll
