Chapter 81

Maeve’s POV

“Word of our curse has spread beyond our borders. North Central—and even further—knows our weakness now.”

Draven ran a hand through his hair, eyes haunted. Then he let out a bitter laugh—one born of pain, frustration, and fear.

“That’s not even the worst part, love,” he said softly. “In barely three weeks, the crescent moon will rise. We still don’t have the gifted one.”

He paused and studied my face until I felt his words like ice in my veins.

“Thea isn’t the gifted one.”

My world stilled. My breath caught. What?

“Thea isn’t the gifted one,” he repeated, and the words thrummed in my mind. Even Adie—my ever-present inner voice—sounded as shocked as I was.

I hadn’t expected this. Everyone, including Draven in his dreams, had been certain Thea was the gifted one.

“So how could she suddenly not be?”

“I don’t know,” Draven admitted. “But Seraphine confirmed it. The cleansing ritual with Thea’s blood failed.”