Moments later,

Author

They left the great hall behind them - the bows, the cheers, the lingering tension of old grudges - and followed a corridor lit by soft silver runes, deep into the quietest part of the palace. Malphas walked close beside Aria, his hand resting lightly on her arm, while the children hurried ahead, their voices hushed, their footsteps quick and eager.

When they reached the arched entrance, Malphas stopped and drew back the heavy velvet curtain. “Go on,” he said softly. “It has been waiting for all of you.”

Aria stepped through first, and her breath caught in her throat.

The chamber was round and warm, lined...