Kingdom of Ash

Staghorns beyond the city as he remained
blocking the way.
Rowan let out a low growl, the sound
echoed by Fenrys, a step behind them.
Yet Aelin let go of her mate’s hand, their
crowns of flame winking out as she crossed
the last few feet to the castle archway. To
Darrow.
Silence fell down the illuminated, golden
street.
He’d deny her entry. Here, before the
world, he would throw her out. A final,
shaming slap.
But Evangeline tugged on Darrow’s sleeve
—as if in reminder.
It seemed to spur the old man into speech.
“My young ward and I were told that when
you went to face Erawan and Maeve, your
magic was heavily depleted.”
“It was. And shall remain so forever.”