TIARA THORNELLS
With the dresses I had selected hanging over my left arm, I stepped out of my old room, leaving Dawn behind without another glance. No immortal had the right to dictate my choices, especially if their words could bring harm to the kingdom I swore to protect.
I walked briskly through the corridors of the castle, my pace turning into a near run. My flat shoes struck the marble floors with urgency, echoing off the high ceilings and stone walls.
At last, I reached the staircase that led up to Zatan’s tower. I paused only for a breath, placing one hand on the cold stone banister.
And then I began to climb.
I hadn’t even made it halfway up the stairs when I suddenly stopped. My brow furrowed in instinctive alertness as I heard the sound of heavy footsteps above me and echoin
