Aldric arrived at dusk.
The skyline burned orange, and Elara stood on her balcony with Nathan, who hadn't spoken much since the attack. When Aldric stepped from the shadows like a conjured nightmare, Nathan instinctively moved in front of her.
"You didn't tell me they'd come for me," Elara said coldly.
"I warned you," Aldric replied. "But I underestimated how quickly your awakening would send shockwaves. Others felt your magic. They'll keep coming."
"So what do we do?" Nathan asked.
Aldric's gaze flicked to him. "You protect her. And you stay out of the Veil unless you want to vanish forever."
He turned back to Elara and held out a long velvet case. "You need a weapon."
Inside: a blade forged of silver obsidian, etched with the same glyph that burned in her chest.
"This is yours now," he said. "You are not just a bride to a demon. You are his equal. And his defender."
Elara took the sword. It thrummed in her grip, alive and waiting.
She didn't flinch. "Then teach me how to use it."
Aldric's smile returned, dangerous and proud. "Lesson one begins now."