The Counc

s thick with anticipation, the flickering torchlight casting long, dancing shadows over the ancient walls carved with the sigils

ir eyes on me curious, calculating, and, I sensed, judgmental. I was an outsider. A human girl thrust unwillin

silence as we approached the massive obsidian table at its center. Nine figures cloake

rs. Elder Malrik, the oldest and most feared member of the council, spoke in a voice like t

is no mere guest, Elder Malrik. She is the blood key-the one fore

r pawn I was a pivotal piece in a prophecy I barely understood. Th

have tried and failed to wield the blood bond. The magic it binds is ancient and treache

de me. "I am no one's slave," I decla

nowing smile. "Bold words for one who

shackle, but a partnership. It can only be broken by death or true choice. Aria chooses

t hear their thoughts, weighing my worth and the risk I posed. I was the human who carri

feeds on fear, hatred, and division. The magic dormant in Aria's bloodline can eithe

mine like blades of ice. "Then let the trial continue. Aria must prove her control over the bond and

d no illusions about the stakes.

me surged like a living beast, raw and unpredictable. Lucien was both relentless and patient, guidi

storm inside. To harness my bloodline

, "is the legacy of Lysandra, the last of your line. She was a sorceress who dared to defy v

stories whispers of a forbidden magic passed down through

urse exists. To keep your blood in chains. But it

eneath the floorboards, her hands trembling as she whisp

back. I was no longer a frightened child. I

Lucien led me to the highest tower of the palace. The

his voice almost a whisper. "You carry hop

neath the cold prince. His crimson eyes h

destroys us instead?" I

cking against the chill night a

was a frag

he corridors spoke of rising unrest. Shadows moved beyond t

e. The air was thick and heavy, unnatural.

rt, summoning his guards.

scorched into the stone, and the lifeless b

" Lucien said grimly. "O

tightly, determinatio

from her fate I was the blood key

inst the coming storm bound by blood,