The sun slinked over Velnair, embarrassed, as if it wasn't sure if it had permission to rise after what had just happened. Pale beams pierced through the black smoke that still clouded the city. Ash hung in the air like slow falling snow, drifting over broken rooftops, shattered windows, and battle-blackened streets.
Serena stood at the center of it all.
She didn't move since the fire had gone silent. Her arms dangled at her sides, fingertips gently glowing, smoke still trailing off the tips. The square that surrounded her was a grave of scorched stone and shadowed memory. The wind had died down, but something within her hadn't.
Lucian was standing there, saying nothing. He hadn't spoken much since they'd arrived. He was smarter than to put his hands on her. The fire may have been smoldering, but it was not extinguished. Now it lived beneath her skin — alive and waiting.
Serena finally turned, slowly, and with purpose. "Where's Kael?"
