Chapter 22

Despite the supposed urgency to bring Erela before the tribunal, hours passed, which rolled into days. Her captor - who surely won an award for most evil adopted sister ever - claimed that the delay was because they had to wait until all of the members could convene.

Each moment that passed without rescue chipped at the hope Erela had remaining. By the third day, in pain from the wound on her leg, arms strained and tired, hungry and morose, she had none left.

A robed figure entered, and she knew right away that something had changed. For one, a man with broad shoulders and more height now wore the robe.

When the cowl peeled back, she wasn't surprised to see the king.

"Where is Lisandra?" The name of the sister consumed by jealousy, and angry at the wrong person. A shame, because Erela would have dearly loved a sister growing up.