[Elara’s POV]
The ride back from the Northern Wastes felt entirely different from the journey there.
When we had descended into the Maw, the world was cloaked in a suffocating, freezing darkness. But as our Shadowguard horses crested the final snow-covered ridge overlooking the Blood Moon territory, the horizon was bleeding with the vibrant, breathtaking colors of a new dawn. Brilliant streaks of gold, pink, and vibrant orange chased away the lingering shadows of the night.
I leaned back against Kael’s solid chest, his massive arms wrapped securely around my waist as we rode on the same horse. I was exhausted. My magical core was completely depleted, my muscles ached, and my white combat leathers were stained with ash and dirt. But as I felt the steady, powerful rhythm of my mate’s hear
