Chapter 7
In the dark halls of the Obsidian Pyramid, Empress Nahzara stood bare beneath the moonlight, staring into a floating mirror of molten glass.
She watched as golden and silver threads danced around Zephyr’s chest — bound now to Clarissa and Elandra, glowing with loyalty and magic.
Her claws curled.
> "So the priestess and the elf think they can brand my flame?"
She turned to a shadow in the corner of her throne room.
"Send her."
A whisper answered, "The Fanged One?"
"Yes. If Zephyr won’t come willingly, let’s see how loyal he remains... when the woman sent to kill him is even harder to resist."
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A New Arrival at Midnight
Back in Valdara, the estate gates groaned open.
A rider appeared, cloaked in black leather and midnight perfume. Her horse was skeletal, eyes glowing red. Her armor was skin-tight, molded to curves that begged to be unwrapped.