a flame in our hearts.

Lynn swallowed past the lump in her throat. 

She had lived with the heavy burden of her family's secret for years now, ever since her uncle had taken her to the summit of the Heavenshard Mountains. Ever since she'd connected with the Angel of the Flame and refused Their calling to accept the Throne of Sidralis. 

Instead, she had sworn to protect the Throne—to guard it with her body. Even death had not released her from that oath, dragging her back to the world of the living even after the future-borne Damian Roswald had slit her throat.

All that pain and blood, all to protect a lie.

—To be complicit in a falsehood perpetuated for three generations of kings.

"I wish I could be surprised," Lynn sighed, "but I'm only disappointed. I should've known that Titus would act like this. He's always been a bully and a brute, and now, all of Sidralis might pay for his arrogance."

Vivi said nothing, but her grip tightened on Lynn's leg.