Under a silvered sky, Aurelia's magic blossomed in defiance. She tested the ancient warding spells Lucien had woven around the palace. Sparked glyphs glowed against obsidian stone, shattering protective runes. Wounded guards found her unscathed. Word reached Lucien, and he appeared on the balcony, storm winds whipping his coat. "You dare?" he hissed. She raised her chin: "I am no prisoner."