Bloo

e first light of false dawn touched the peaks of the obsidian mountains. The air

's throne chamber, her heart beat

d a circular mosaic of fireglass rippled faintly underfoot. Flames danced in hovering sconces above, casting moving s

lpted like coiled serpents, a crimson cloak trailing behind him. His hair was half-tied with obsidian pins, leaving silver

proached

e's glow. It cinched at her waist with an intricate belt made of silver branches, each tipped with a single glowing crystal. Her hair was down, loose and wild,

he said quietly, voi

crimson eyes were

he said. "They've

furrowe

They do not trust mortals who remain here long."

laugh. "Is that wha

weakness. And we

no doors were open, swept through the chamber, c

beings appeared fr

faces hidden behind twisted masks of bone and gol

rael. The blood oath forbids the bind

d at the hilt of his sword. "She is no mer

t her pr

s stepped forward and produced a black dagger, curved like a

e is true, the blade will burn her not. B

weapon, throat dry

ur world. And you will

llowed was sharp en

u don't have to do this. I will protect you, even

hand rose

You didn't ask for a blood oat

yes, and somethin

ard. The Elder e

rs, wrapped her palm around the hilt,

er held i

oment-n

d bright red, searing h

tood un

Elders recoiled slightly

peaks

d, ever s

vani

-

terrace carved into the cliff-Liora stood beneath

ined her

e murmured, brushing a

ut I'd rather die for something rea

her gently

ridges, Liora. There

him, her hands sl

ack. I want to see wh

h with emotion. "Then you are mine. Not by o

f conquest or possession-it was the slow burn

stars, the demon and the girl he loved