Rafe's words drifted through the grand hall, becoming a mere background hum to the chaos of my own thoughts. I stood there, feigning attention, while the echo of my mother's warning reverberated inside my head. The Crimson kingdom was on the brink of terrible danger, and somehow, I was the one with the task to save not just our realm but Rafe himself. What powers did she believe I possessed? Did she know of my protection powers? Was it foresight turning into my dreams or some weird magic stirring within me?

"Freya, aren't you excited?" The bubbling enthusiasm in Addy's voice cut through my raging thoughts like a dagger. Her...