The Coven's sanctuary glowed with candlelight, the air thick with sage and suspicion. Elara sat at the edge of the stone circle, her fingers twisting in her lap, still feeling the ghost of Kael's touch on her cheek. The cathedral's memory clung to her his silver eyes, the cool brush of his fingers, the way her magic had sparked like fire under his gaze.
She tried to focus on the Coven's chants, but her mind wandered, her body restless with a hunger she couldn't name.Mira's sharp voice cut through the hum. Elara, you're not listening. Her friend's blue eyes narrowed, worry etched into her face as she leaned close. What's wrong with you? You've been strange since the eclipse. Elara's heart skipped. She hadn't told Mira about Kael, about the cathedral, about the way his presence lit her up inside. I'm fine, she said, forcing a smile, but her voice sounded thin, even to her.The High Witch, Seris, stood at the circle's center, her silver hair gleaming as she spoke of the shadow-born growing bolder. The Veilstone must be protected at all costs, she said, her eyes sweeping over the witches, lingering on Elara a moment too long. Elara's stomach twisted.
Did Seris know? Could she sense the forbidden pull tugging at her heart? The meeting dragged on, but Elara barely heard it, her thoughts drifting to Kael's promise. The Obsidian Woods. Tomorrow. Her skin tingled at the thought.Later, in the quiet of her small chamber, Elara paced. Mira followed her, shutting the door with a thud. Talk to me, she said, crossing her arms. I saw you sneak off last night. You were with him, weren't you? The vampire. Elara froze, her cheeks flushing. Mira's voice softened, but her words stung. Kael Draven is dangerous, Elara. He's tied to Valthorne, the shadow-born lord who killed half our Coven years ago.
You can't trust him.Elara's hands shook. She wanted to argue, to say Kael wasn't like that, but doubt crept in. His touch had felt so real, so right, but what if Mira was right? I just need answers, she said, her voice barely a whisper. About the Veilstone. About my magic. Mira stepped closer, her hand on Elara's shoulder. Your magic is strong, but it's wild. Don't let him twist it—or you. Promise me you'll stay away.Elara nodded, but her heart lied. Alone after Mira left, she sat on her bed, her fingers tracing the rune on her collarbone where Kael's touch had burned. Her skin warmed at the memory, her body aching for him, for the way he made her feel alive.
She closed her eyes, and a vision hit her like a wave darkness, a blood-soaked altar, a shadowy figure with her face, whispering her name. Her eyes snapped open, her breath ragged. The vision felt real, like a warning, or a call.She stood, pacing again, her mind a storm of Kael and the vision. Was her magic tied to the shadow-born, like he'd hinted?
Was that why he wanted her? Her fingers brushed her lips, remembering how close they'd been in the cathedral, how his breath had grazed her skin.
She wanted him, wanted the truth, even if it meant breaking every rule. The Coven's warnings felt distant, drowned out by the pull of his silver eyes.A knock startled her. Mira again, her voice urgent through the door. Elara, the Veilstone's glow is fading. Seris is calling us now. Elara's heart sank. The Veilstone, weakening? It couldn't be a coincidence—not after Kael, not after her vision. She grabbed her cloak, her mind racing. Was Kael the cause, or the key? She needed to see him, needed to know, even if it meant sneaking into the Obsidian Woods against Mira's pleas. As she stepped into the night, the crimson moon hung low, watching her, whispering of secrets and shadows yet to come.