The tension had faded from the edge of the training circle. The morning mist had lifted, and the sun now blazed in full force above the palace domes. Heat seeped into the stone tiles, as if the fire of the battles still simmered just beneath the surface. Elara stood at the center of the circle, sweat glistening on her shoulder, her eyes still glowing darkly-but the slow smile curling on her lips spoke of something entirely different.
At the edge of the circle, Selene and Kael sat silently watching, while Thyra leaned against a column, arms crossed, a faint smirk playing on her lips. All three of them looked in the same direction-at Dareth.
The vampire king watched Elara with a grim, yet attentive gaze. His eyes held both the weight of a ruler and something personal. There was no doubt: h
