The ring shrieked—an actual sound now, as wet glass dragged over the slate.
It rose around Talia’s boots, sticky-cold, anchoring her shadow to the ground.
She could move, but barely; every motion took twice the effort and cost three times the breath.
Kaela slammed herself against the binding from the inside. The world became sharp edges and bright.
Across the clearing, Lucian and Amaria faced one another, the space between them a pressurized void.
“You’re in violation,” Lucian said softly. “Coven Laws. Crown Rule.”
“Then try me,” she said. The bangles on her wrist rang as a bell struck underwater.
She lifted both hands. The ring convulsed. The air warped between them, ready to shatter.
Lucian moved with intention. He raised his palm—and the pale fire roared, not gentle any longe
