As we fly back toward the Onyx Keep, I rest my hand on the scales at the base of his neck and say it again—not for him, but for me.
“Selene. I am Selene.”
And in the last moments before night gives way to day, the stars seem to shimmer back in answer.
Chapter 38
The Promise
The following night, when even the moon seems to be hiding, I wander back to the library. The scent of old parchment and wild lavender lingers like a lullaby, and the shelves hum softly as I slide a finished book back into place. Three more jolt free andthudat my feet. One reads,Rose and Garden Restoration.Another,A History and Study of Dragon Speech.
“As if I need help with pronunciation,” I mutter. “You’re mocking me. Got anything that will help me survive the next Trial?”
The shelf behind me begins to hum. I turn—and slam into something solid.
“Arther!” I laugh. “You startled me!”
He doesn’t laugh. His eyes are vacant, glazed with shadow, his skin pale and damp. His expression is hauntingly blank. “You shouldn’t be here,” he rasps. But it isn’t his voice, not really.
“Arther,” I say, stepping back. “It’s me. Don’t you—?”
He lunges.
I barely get my arms up before my back hits the shelf, slamming the air from my lungs. His hands tear at my dress, and my vision wavers.
I grab the thickest book within reach and slam it into his temple. He staggers—just enough for me to shove past and bolt for the archway.
A hand knots into my hair and yanks me backward, while the other clamps around my throat.
I can’t breathe.
“Arther—please—” I gasp. The edges of the room pulse.
And then he’s ripped away from me like a snapped rope.
Books explode from shelves. Stone cracks with the impact.
Keiren.
He stands in the doorway, eyes ablaze, breath ragged, like a beast straining against chains.
Arther screams and lunges again, but Keiren moves faster. His hand locks around Arther’s throat and lifts him clear off the floor.
“I am your lord,” he roars. “You will obey me.”
Arther writhes, feral with shadow.
“Arther!” Keiren thunders. “Look at me.”
The darkness flickers, and Arther goes limp. Then his eyes brighten again, and he drops to his knees.
“My lord,” he whispers. “My lady… please… forgive me…”
“Mae!” Keiren calls without looking back.
Mae appears in the hall, barefoot and breathless.
“Help him,” Keiren orders.
