Outside, the air bit at their exposed skin.
North Haven's cliffs overlooked an endless expanse of black ocean. Moonlight scattered across the waves like broken silver, but tonight the sea looked wrong.
The water moved against the wind.
Currents twisted into spirals.
Foam gathered in unnatural circles before sinking beneath the surface instead of dissolving.
Even the gulls had abandoned the coast.
Not a single cry disturbed the night.
Waiting near the courtyard stood creatures Kaelen had never seen before.
They resembled enormous wolves sculpted from frost.
Crystal horns swept backward from their skulls, and every breath escaped in shimmering clouds despite the summer air. Their paws never fully touched the ground, hovering a finger's width above the stone.
"They're beautiful," Kaelen whispered.
"They're practical."
The Duke mounted one in a single smooth motion before extending a hand.
Kaelen accepted it.
