The Prince, the Rogue & the Reckoning

Thorn made her way to the training yard, boots echoing on the polished marble floors. She expected Cassian Ale to be waiting, though she secret

, remembering the tension in his eyes from the day before. She didn't yet understand the magnetic p

t never dared ask: why Cassian was so fearless, so

orner of the armory, Cassian had recount

sharpening his blade with casual precision. His dark

l, curiosity sharpening her words.

ard son of King Aldric. Born in the shadows, never acknowledged. Raised to be strong, to survive, but never to sit on a throne. The palace...

he arrogance, the daring that always seemed to come second nature to him. Now she understo

o hide that from

, brushing a lock of hair from her face. "I know. I

her of them could linger too long in the moment,

long, polished oak table, the golden embroidery of his robes catching the morning light. Queen Selene's eyes were sharp

ognized Master Veylin, the pale-haired mage with eyes that seemed to peer into the past; Lady Theris, the sharp-tongued adviser whose judgment

that should not exist in the hands of the living. The sun medallion... is powerful, yes. But it car

t her side. "I didn't k

knew enough to be warned. And yet, here you are, entangl

c chooses its bearer. But its protection comes at a cost. Those who hold it are drawn into a battle with force

"Like the thing that a

are others-the Vilefen, the Ashveil, the Duskborn. Each seeks to corrupt or consume what

cil," he said. "Lyra... it is no longer safe for the medallion to remain with

al it to harm anyone," she said, voice steady. "

es. But its protection comes at a cost. Those who hold it are drawn into battles with forces beyond our sight. Creatures

"I've survived worse

does not forgive mistakes. If you continue to defy the council, your life-and the city's

r a hint of understanding, for something to anchor her. But his expression was calm, m

expectations, the gravity of the council's

bove a whisper. "I... I understan

tion and warning. "Wise choice, Lyra. Do not mistake t

had no choice. And yet, somewhere deep within, she promised herself: she would maste

self wandering the rooftops of the palace. The sky stretched wide, painted in streaks of violet, gold,

blazing as he stepped close. Without warning, he grabbed her hand, pu

erself melting into it, letting go of the stress, the danger, the politics, the councils, and

en as it began, s

his cheek, the air crackling with

back, chest heaving, eyes flashing w

pped, voice trembling. "I'm not so

g, he tilted his head, a slow, teasing smirk curling h

hair made her blood heat all over again. Her chest rose and fell, heart thrumming like a drum. A

remembered the moment before, the heat, the fire-but most of all, she remembered Aerion. His eyes hadn'

made her kiss

a," he murmured, voice low, almost desperate. "I love you. I've always... I've always loved you. An

esting against his. "And then what?" she asked,

mple life. Mira and Jax can be with you again. I can finally-finally-fulfill my

while the world burns around us?" Her eyes flashed, both with fire and frustration. "I'm not giving up the relic. I'm n

thumb brushing her cheek, voice soft but fierce. "I do understand. But I want yo

, his passion, his love. Then she pulled away gently, stepping back onto the stone roofto

, and I'm going to protect the city. You don't get to save me by making me walk away from it.

xpression. "Then I'll fight beside you. Always. Not behind you, not

ng smirk. "You'll just have to earn

et behind her, carrying her fire, her purpose, and a part of Cassian wi

city was safe-for now. The council's decision had been unanimous. She had complied. And yet, as the wind