The stars sparkled through the crisp, winter air. A twilight haze settled over the forest, and an orange glow shone in an arch where the sun had gone to rest.Nix would blow a fuse when he discovered I’d gone without him, but I didn’t want him around when I faced Liam—especially if Neasa had gotten word to him about my supposed consort business.I searched outward with all of my senses for Alastair and his lost souls. Nothing moved in the eerie stillness.A gurgling cough drew my gaze left. I found Liam sitting with his back propped against the rock wall amidst a dusting of snow. His white shirt had been torn to shreds, speckled with crimson. One of his grey pant legs had been ripped away. Blood dripped off his chin, and his arms clamped over his stomach.“Liam.” My voice came out strangled as I sprinted to him. I knelt down beside his broken form, my hands hovering over his body, uncertain where I could touch without hurting him. My heart gave a painful lurch.Another challenge for the throne?
