Chapter 157

Draven’s POV

It was still the early hours of dawn, and darkness clung stubbornly outside. Only a thin rim of morning light fought through the gloom, casting long shadows across my chamber as I stirred awake. A strange restlessness urged me to rise before I ever meant to—there was a mountain of paperwork waiting in my office, plus several pressing matters to settle before Maeve stirred. The very thought of leaving her side filled me with dread, especially with tonight’s ritual looming. For days now she’d carried an unbearable weight: the threat of war gathering on the horizon, dark magic stirring in the corners of our world, and Aurelisse’s bone-chilling prophecy echoing in her mind.

Oh, goddess.

With a heavy sigh, I sank into the worn leather chair behind my desk and rubbed the exhaustion from my eyes.