Kael
The sight burned itself into my retinas. The massive, silver-tipped wolf, the creature that had just commanded the attention of every soul in the academy, was no longer just the kitchen maid who looked at me with guarded, brown eyes.
She was royalty and a legend.
And as the silver light faded, leaving behind the girl, my chest felt like it had been carved out with a dull blade.
Rhea collapsed, her clothes were scattered, shivering against the cold stone of the training ground.
Darius was at her side before I could blink. He didn't hesitate. He pulled off his heavy outer cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders, his hands lingering on her skin in a way that made my stomach churn.
"Don't," she whispered, her voice raspy and thin. She pushed his hands away, though her fingers trem
