Ash Pact

s Re

ugh the Vale that night s

stone and ash. The moon hung low, casting pale light over the ruins. She pressed a hand to the dagger str

g home. Whiles Kael Ravencroft's army had painted the soil red with the blood of her skin. Sinc

ieved Amara

th

lways searching. Always hunting. Until whispers began to rise: of a cursed prince haunting the

encroft

meant to

-

ntact-a mercenary named Elias Vane-had given her the route. "He takes healers," he'd told

ded to be

ally, as if listening. Then: movement. From the shadows, a ride

didn't

. A woman-pale, otherworldly

encroft lands," the woma

ied smoothly. "I heard your pr

tudied her.

ong enough

devours tho

met the woman's stare. "Then it's a g

hen the rider t

ky, he'll keep you. If you're not... well.

-

all, Amar

vencro

iet magic. No torches lined its walls, and yet it glowed faintly, as if lit from within.

ed throug

energy she couldn't name. It settled on her ski

she s

a

uin. Dark hair falling over sharp features. Broad-shouldered, wrapped in deep crimson and black, and those

ilence. Low. Rough. U

what you pr

er voice remained calm. "Yo

ow storm. "No one comes here unl

from fear, but from the pull. There was something in him. Something anc

e couldn't

der her cloak. She knew he saw it. Knew

he d

, so close his mouth

Kael murmured, voice velvet over blade