Author’s POVThe court hall was filled to capacity. Elders, high council members, commanders, and noble leaders sat along the long wooden benches, whispering quietly among themselves.Standing near the front of the room was King Alistair, his arms folded over his chest, a stern and tired look on his face. Beside him stood Ravenna, her face still pale from days of grief, and Ronan, who kept a respectful distance, his jaw set in a tight line.In the center of the open floor, standing between two guards, was Selena. She wore a plain white dress, her hair unbrushed, and her face thin from her days in the dungeon.King Alistair looked down at her, his voice cold and sharp as it echoed off the high walls of the hall."Why did you demand an urgent hearing before the court, Selena?" King Alistair asked harshly. "The elders have already set the date for your trial. Speak now, or the guards will take you back to your cell."Selena swallowed hard, her chest heaving as she took a slow breath. She
Read more