Chapter 34 — Rescue and Retribution
The loyalist citadel was tense the next morning.
Word had spread fast: Prince Cairis had returned from exile with a mortal witch bonded to his heart, and they had already spilled blood in defense of the Vaelthorn name.
Liora stood on the high balcony overlooking the volcanic valley, shadows curling around her like a second skin. The bite marks on her neck still throbbed with dark heat — a constant, possessive reminder of their binding in the rift.
Cairis stepped up behind her, one arm sliding around her waist. His presence was a wall of heat and restored power.
"A scout just returned," he said, voice low. "Vorath has captured General Draven — one of my last loyal commanders. He's being held in the Iron Spire. They plan to execute him publicly tomorrow to send a message."
Liora turned to face him. "Then we don't let that happen."
