The air sizzled as flame met shadow.

Elena and Marcus crashed into each other with supernatural force, their powers warping the ancient Rossi vault. The very stones of the throne room groaned in protest as history tried to rewrite itself before their eyes.

Sparks flew from Elena’s fingertips, weaving into crimson whips of fire that lashed across Marcus’s chest. He retaliated with shadows that coiled like serpents, striking fast and hard, but Elena didn’t flinch.

“You taught me to be ruthless,” she hissed. “You should have taught me how to obey.”

Marcus snarled. “I taught you to survive!”

She slammed her palm into his chest, flames erupting between them. “And...