That afternoon, the palace was colder than usual. The narrow windows let in the dim light from the setting sun, which cast long shadows that seemed to go on forever across Kael's private rooms.
Elaine stood at the door, her chest tight, and felt like the room was closing in on her. It had been days since she had seen him last, and days since Kael had called her for anything.
But now, the air felt different. The bond between them was stronger than ever, like an invisible thread pulling at her.
It was so tense that you could cut it with a knife.
As she opened the heavy door, it creaked, and the familiar smell of incense, a mix of cedar and something darker and sharper, filled the room.
Kael was at the far end, with his back to her, looking out the big, open window at the vast land of
