The Sixth Court was not just a place it was a living entity. It knew Elara didn't belong.
The shadows followed her, whispered her name. The ground buckled beneath her feet. Her dreams were haunted by fire and blood and a silver throne wrapped in chains.
The Demon Prince Kael trained her each day. Magic, combat, restraint. He never touched her again. Not after that night.
But the bond burned hot between them.
One night, she snapped. "Why don't you claim me, if this bond is so real?"
He froze. "Because if I do, you'll never leave this realm. You'll never be free again."
She stepped closer. "Maybe I don't want to be free."
"Don't say that," he whispered. "Not unless you mean it."
Their lips hovered inches apart. Her mark flared. But before they could touch, the sky cracked open.
A scream echoed across the court.
A wolf had entered the realm of demons.