From shadows deep she rose to light,
A trembling heart, yet fierce in fight.
The Moon had marked her, silent grace,
A slave no more — a Queen takes place.
✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿
He walked toward her—slow, deliberate steps that made the air itself tremble. His tall figure cast a long shadow across the floor, each movement radiating raw power. When he finally stopped beside her bed, the silence was deafening.
Ariel dared not look up. The mere sight of him was too much—his commanding presence, the burning intensity that clung to him like fire and moonlight. She lowered her eyes, staring at her sweating palms. The warmth from the fire in the hearth couldn't melt the cold that wrapped around her heart.
Iryza, who had been tending to her, felt the tension and quickly bowed. "My lord," she murmured softly, not daring to meet his gaze. Then, turning to Ariel, she offered a faint smile. "My work here is done. I'll come back later to check on you."
