Norwan stood on the balcony of his family’s estate, high above the rugged cliffs of Darien Bay, the wind whipping through his dark hair like a restless spirit. The sky was low and brooding, pregnant with the promise of rain. Below, the sea churned violently, crashing into the rocks with a rhythm that matched the storm inside his chest.

It had been weeks since he’d heard from Drixie, but her last message echoed in his head more persistently than any memory.

“She’s in Lisanne. For the wedding.”

Natalie.

Even now, her name struck him like a blade, swift and unforgiving. It lingered on his tongue like a secret, unsaid. She...