Chapter 38 Igniting the Spark
The ash of the shadow creature still swirled in the drafty air of the chamber, leaving behind the bitter, metallic scent of burnt ozone and dead magic.
Aria’s heart hammered against her ribs, but she didn’t break eye contact with Lucien. Her declaration then light the match still hung between them, a dangerous promise.
Lucien’s grip on her hands tightened, his silver eyes flashing with a mix of fierce pride and intense worry. He turned sharply to Zara. "Lock down the eastern wing. Tell the guards that if so much as a stray bat crosses into this corridor, I’ll have their heads. And Zara not a word of this to the High Council."
Zara bowed her head quickly, her eyes darting to Aria with a newfound look of awe—and fear—before she vanished into the hallway, cl
