Three Days Ago. The World of Eldoria.
Astravale Square was a suffocating crush of bodies.
Copper and silver flashed in the dull light, arcing through the air and splashing into the wishing fountain. The people muttered prayers, their voices merging into a low, buzzing drone that vibrated against the teeth.
The sky was the color of a fresh bruise. The white doves that usually roosted in the plaza had vanished, sensing the violence hanging in the air. Aina moved through the press, her figure swallowed by a heavy black cloak. Every step was a battle against the tide of humanity.
The prayers weren't for salvation. They were just the warm-up act for the gallows.
It was the final day for the Grand Duke of Astravale. The entire ducal house was set to swing, condemned by the Kingdom for alleged collusion with dark witches.
