Marked by His Shadows

was no l

, too quiet. In the way the wind carried whispers through

stopped

eepless nights. Below him, Lila paced the hallway like a caged animal. The mark on her

n much since the

dn't

dn't

the power threading beneath her skin like crackling emb

was wakin

hing," she said suddenly, v

tightened. "N

hy

ause if I did, you'd

ause. She did

eady d

ing toward her. "Then I'll

row. "More ritua

A g

-

cliffside. The wind grew colder the farther they wa

through her body with every step. "You know, for someone tryin

sed," Adrian said s

frow

tombstones-older than that. Carved runes and deep sigils li

tepped

ind s

ient watched

to one knee befor

last vessel died,"

like thunder

fr

ha

e. "Her name was Elara. She was supposed to

said you ha

't any

him slowly. "Wha

ended to protect her but wanted the key for himself. He betrayed her. An

t Kael didn't come. Because she didn't choos

brushing the cold stone. "

use I wasn't fast enough. Because

ered. "You're trying to r

ing to keep you alive.

em-thick and heavy, stretche

, a

sn

her feet. "So

, pulling her back from

ay and silver. Their faces were covered by mirrored

Ci

ront raised

calm and cold. "You have broken th

self," Adrian sai

new what that meant. She bel

tepping forward. "

ed its head. "Then you

-

as lightning, faster t

e earth, forming a crimson shield around them. Fire roared as b

attacked

heart p

voice whispering throu

Take the fire. Be

muttered.

dy moved o

on her collarbone lit up. Her fingers gl

o her, eyes wid

la

ross the clearing like a storm. The Circle warriors flew

d hissed

to her knees,

er. "You shouldn't be

mean to,"

hat's what

m, trembling. "What

s eyes

ing up, Lil

sn't ready for w

-