CLARA'S POINT OF VIEW
The grand morning bells had barely finished their third chime when the giant oak doors of the Throne Chamber burst open once more.
A royal messenger scrambled inside, his golden tunic torn and his face pale with cold sweat. He dropped to his knees at the foot of the marble stairs, skidding across the dark blood left behind by Selene's obsidian guards.
Your Highness! Commander! the messenger gasped, his lungs heaving. The four Great Regional Alphas have crossed the river! Their war retinues have encircled the outer walls of Solaria!
Valerius didn't let go of me. His arm remained locked firmly around my waist, keeping my small, weary body pressed flush against his broad chest as he stood up on the marble steps.
Names, Valerius barked, his voice a cold, dangerous st
