The sun had barely risen over the ruined city of Valoran, casting long shadows over the crumbled buildings and scorched streets. Smoke still lingered in the air from the fires that had been set during the battle, and the ground was stained with the blood of those who had fallen defending their home. But the dark army was gone, and Valoran was still standing.
James stood at the edge of the inner wall, his arms crossed over his chest as he looked out over the city. His heart was heavy with the toll the battle had taken, so many lives lost, so many homes destroyed. His kingdom had survived, but the cost had been steep. And all of it, he knew, was because of one man.
Valek Draconis.
The name sent a surge of anger through James, his jaw tightening as he thought of the vampire lord. Valek had targeted his people, his family. He had come after Sophia, William, Joanna, and the city James had worked so hard to build. And for that, Valek would pay.
