The weight of the trial pressed heavily on Conor’s mind as he sat alone in his chambers. The High Council’s proceedings had grown more intense with each passing day, and though they were making progress against Kelan Benedict, the strain was becoming unbearable.Not just on Kerrigan, but on him as well. Their powers, while formidable, had become unpredictable. And Kerrigan—gods, Kerrigan—was suffering under the growing pressure of Abraxas’s power, and it was only getting worse.Conor rubbed his temples, feeling the familiar hum of energy just beneath his skin. It was always there, a constant reminder of Celia, the dragon soul that had chosen him as her Deinmaar. She had been quiet for so long, letting him navigate the complexities of the trial on his own. But now, as the tension between him and Kerrigan grew, he couldn’t help but wonder if her silence was deliberate.He needed answers. Needed guidance.For the first time in weeks, he closed his eyes and reached out to her, calling her

The atmosphere in the grand chamber of the High Council was thick with anticipation. Each session of Kelan Benedict’s trial seemed to draw more attention, and today was no different. The seats were filled with nobles, council members, and high-ranking officials, all waiting for the latest developments. Kerrigan and Conor had prepared meticulously, knowing that every word, every action, could tip the scales.Conor, as Deinmaar of Celia, had taken on a greater role in the trial. His presence was no longer just symbolic. People looked to him not only for spiritual guidance but also for political leadership. His words carried weight, and with Kerrigan’s growing influence, the two of them had become a formidable force. But Conor could feel the pressure mounting, the tension in the air growing heavier with each passing day.The trial had already stretched into weeks of evidence and testimony, but everyone in the room knew that the real battle was being fought beneath the surface—between the

The High Council chamber was colder today, its stone walls shadowed by the late afternoon light. Conor leaned against one of the carved pillars, his mind still replaying the chaotic scene from the press conference earlier.Kerrigan’s voice, once a clear command that rallied crowds, had faltered, and their bond—usually a source of strength—had nearly broken in front of the entire kingdom. Conor rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of Celia’s power, heavy and restless inside him.Kerrigan stood a few paces away, surrounded by Reilynn and Evelynn, her focus entirely on the conversation at hand. She was strategizing, discussing the next moves in the trial against Kelan Benedict, and though she exuded confidence, Conor could sense the tension simmering beneath her calm exterior.She was pushing harder, speaking louder, her influence growing with every passing day. The people were rallying behind her, and she was becoming more than a leader—she was becoming a symbol.Conor glanced at her,

The grand hall of the royal palace was a masterpiece of gilded excess, designed to remind everyone who entered that they stood in the presence of power. Marble pillars reached skyward, inlaid with veins of gold and silver that caught the light of the chandeliers above.The air was heavy with the scent of perfumed oils and roasting meats, mingling with the low hum of conversation. Nobles in elaborate silks and jewels filled the room, their laughter and whispered gossip a backdrop to the King’s carefully orchestrated spectacle.Kerrigan stood at the edge of the gathering, her posture poised but her mind alert. She had been invited here by King Ryu Pinion himself, a gesture that many saw as a high honor.But Kerrigan knew better—this wasn’t an honor, it was a test. The King wanted to see her up close, to measure how far her influence had spread, and to push her into making a public choice she wasn’t ready to make.Across the room, Conor lingered near one of the far walls, his presence d

The moon hung low over the capital, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. The palace, illuminated by the glow of countless lanterns, seemed almost serene from the outside—a far cry from the turmoil brewing within. Kerrigan’s private chambers were quiet, save for the distant hum of activity from the banquet that had finally ended. She had managed to keep her composure through the long evening, but now, as she paced the length of the room, her thoughts were in chaos.She had been holding her emotions in check since the King’s proposal, but the weight of his words was crushing her. Marry him? Become his queen? The thought had chilled her to the bone. The King’s offer was not just a marriage proposal; it was a bid to control her, to bind her influence to his throne, and to use her as a tool to solidify his power. But more than that, it was a direct threat—to her independence, her ambitions, and to the love she shared with Conor.Kerrigan’s heart clenched as she glanced towa