Chapter 2

2.

Lucian's fake love had always left clues. On our wedding day, Caleb brought Elara to the Shadow Court.

Lucian usually never showed emotion. But that day, his eyes turned red.

The guests thought he was happy. He held my hand and said his dream had finally come true.

I was so foolish that I cried with joy. Now I know he wasn't happy. His heart was actually breaking for Elara.

In our second year, the Elders finally let Caleb take Elara as a concubine. That night, Lucian got drunk for the first time.

He went to a lonely mountain and cried. I found him holding his pendant in the dark.

Later, I learned that was the mountain where he first met Elara. But the real moment I gave up was seven nights ago.

I was still mourning my lost child. I could not sleep, but I stayed quiet so I would not bother Lucian.

In the middle of the night, he got up. He opened a secret passage I had never seen before.

I followed him later when he was gone. What I saw inside was a nightmare.

The room was filled with hundreds of paintings of Elara. He had painted her over and over again.

But the worst part was the small altar in the center. My baby's tiny remains were there.

He looked so small and cold. When I touched him, his spirit pulled me into that dream.

I saw Lucian cut the soul-essence out of him. My baby was a Fire-Shifter; he knew what was happening.

He was so scared. His own father murdered him.

His last bit of spirit stayed behind just to show me the truth. My son saved me from a life of lies.

"Aria, please wake up!" Lila's voice was far away.

I opened my eyes and realized I was covered in tears. The poison was taking over.

I was getting closer to my freedom.