LOGINFor a beat, no one spoke. Then, he lowered Kaelani gently until her feet touched the ground, but he didn’t let go—his fingers slipping into hers, holding on like it was the most natural thing in the world. Kaelani’s gaze dropped to their hands. The contact stilled something inside her. No one ha
“You do.” He let his gaze drop—just for a second—to the space between them, the inches that still separated them. Then back to her. “But I meant it when I said I’d never leave you again… that was real.” A brief pause—not for effect, but because he meant it. “Not when it’s hard. Not when it’s me
Kaelani’s smile hit him harder than anything else had. For the first time, it was meant for him. Julian stepped into the room, closing the door quietly behind him and shutting out everything beyond it—the chaos, the noise, all of it. In here— was his peace. His heart. His whole world. He move
The room. The light. The faces. A breath caught in his chest. “Kaelani…?” His focus sharpened. His room. His packhouse. Familiar walls and scent. But something was wrong. His gaze moved quickly—his mother at his side, Jace by the window. No Kaelani. Julian pushed himself upright, pain tear
She didn’t look at him. “Julian Hale… fugitive status removed.” Another keystroke. “Jace Romano… fugitive status removed.” Her fingers paused for a fraction of a second before continuing. “Garrick Blake… charges dropped.” A quiet tap followed. “Release scheduled for… tomorrow morning.” Then—
A brief pause. “Am I wrong?” Councilor Voss didn’t answer. He simply watched her for a moment longer before speaking. “What is it that you want?” Kaelani held the room for a moment. “What I wanted the day I stood before you in the Chamber of Elders,” she said. “What I asked for then.” “To liv
The way Draevyn approached Lyressa had been… disarming. Not arrogant. Not swaggering the way some Unseelie warriors carried themselves when they stepped into Seelie territory. Draevyn moved with quiet confidence—measured, deliberate steps across the throne room floor. His storm-gray eyes lifted t
To understand what had truly happened. But the moment she tried— The world stopped. Not violently. Not abruptly. Just… still. The courtyard froze around her. Water halted mid-fall from the fountains. Leaves hung suspended in the air. Even the sunlight seemed trapped in place. And Lyressa’s
Lyressa studied her reflection in the mirror, its surface polished so smooth it reflected every detail with merciless clarity. Platinum hair spilled over her shoulders in soft waves, the delicate crown resting upon her head catching the pale glow of enchanted lanterns that lined the hall. She adjus
Draevyn’s kiss turned hungry—no longer careful, no longer restrained. Need sharpened the way his mouth moved against hers. Then his hands drifted lower. Sliding along her hips, fingers brushing her thighs as if his intention was to lift her—draw her legs around him. Kaelani flinched. The kiss b







