Chapter Two
Sierra's POV
"We meet again, Stella Mea."
The voice was dark and unnatural in a way that sent chills down my spine. Cold sweat dripped down my temples as I realized he had broken through the barrier protecting this room.
"Who are you?" I whispered into the shadows.
The shadows pressed into me. The touch felt eerily real on my bruised body.
"You will know soon, my little star," the voice whispered close to my ear.
"I missed you, greatly."
The shadows continued their ghostly caress until they pressed on one of my wounds. I winced, and the touch immediately retreated. A figure emerged from the darkness, a man cloaked in shadows. I couldn't make out his face, it was like a dark void.
He knelt beside me, making me very aware of his presence. His fingers traced the marks on my skin with a gentleness that I had never felt before.
"Who did this to you?" His voice dropped, trembling with anger. The shadows around him flared violently, their movements wild.
I couldn't answer, too stunned to speak. His fingers paused on my bruises, his head rising to meet my eyes.
"I will be back for you," he promised. His hand brushed my cheek before he vanished into the shadows.
The room fell deathly silent and light came in through the windows.
The door burst open, slamming against the wall as Kaelvar stormed in.
"I sensed a presence here. Where is he?" His voice boomed.
Aelira, his sister, followed close behind with guards and Stephan. Her sharp eyes darted at me, widening in horror when she saw me sprawled on the floor.
"What happened to you?" she cried, rushing to my side. "Did the intruder do this? Oh, my poor sister-in-law."
She knelt and pulled me into a warm embrace, her tears staining my shoulder.
Aelira was one of the few people who showed me kindness in this kingdom. Unlike her brother, she had a heart. Her brilliance and unmatched powers could rival the best soldiers of Aurelgem, the second kingdom. But the elders had denied her a place of power, simply because she was a woman.
"Tell me, who did this to you?" she demanded, her voice trembling with both fury and concern.
My eyes flickered to Kaelvar, who stood a few steps away, his arms crossed and a smirk tugging at his lips. He was daring me to speak the truth, so confident I wouldn't expose him.
"The intruder did this," I whispered, my voice barely audible but loud enough for everyone to hear.
Aelira's body stiffened. "Oh, we'll find him," she vowed, her silver eyes flashing with power. "We'll avenge you, sister." I shivered under her intensity.
Stephan cleared his throat, addressing Kaelvar. "Sire, the intruders have retreated. Unfortunately, we were unable to apprehend any of them. Their skills exceeded our expectations."
Kaelvar's jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. "Call for a meeting. I want every soldier and elder present. NOW!"
"Kael, can't you exempt your wife? She's injured, and she just lost your baby. Be reasonable!" Aelira protested, stepping between him and me.
"Do not tell me how to handle my wife," he snapped. "It's none of your concern."
Aelira shot him a glare before storming out, muttering curses under her breath.
Kaelvar turned back to me with a glare. "Clean yourself up. Cover those marks. Do not embarrass me any more than you already have."
The room emptied, leaving me alone.
I stood before the mirror, applying concealer to my bruised skin. My hands trembled as I worked, but I refused to let my reflection break me.
Suddenly, a faint glow caught my attention. Light flickered across my chest.
I froze, my heart hammering. Slowly, I glanced down. A swirl of light shimmered just above my left breast, tiny stars spinning within the pattern.
"What in the heavens…"
I stumbled back, staring at the glowing mark. The swirl continued to pulse with an
otherworldly energy.
"What is this?" I whispered, my voice trembling.