The moon hung low...swollen, blood-tinged.... as if watching the cursed kingdom hold its breath.
She hated walking alone… but tonight, even the wind felt like it was waiting.
Then… a twig snapped.
Out of the trees stepped a man. Tall. Cloaked. Silent.
"Are you lost?"
He didn't answer. Just bowed, like royalty.
"I am Kael," he said. "I've come to claim my mate