THE REJECTED BETA
For days, the castle had been a drum of war, boots echoing on stone, the metallic ring of whetstones against steel, and the low, terrifying vibration of Astance’s fury.
Now, there was only the crackle of cedar logs.
The heavy oak door groaned open. I didn't have to look up to know who it was. The temperature in the room dipped just enough to make the flames flicker, a silent announcement of the Archon’s presence.
Astance stepped into the firelight, his silver-grey cloak sweeping behind him like the wings of a predatory bird. Kaelen followed a step behind, that maddening, sharp-edged smile still tugging at the corners of his mouth.