Chapter 9

• The hall was nearly empty, the morning sun casting long beams of light across the polished stone floor. Astrid’s boots echoed sharply as she stormed through the hall, her fiery hair trailing behind her like a banner of war. Her heart raced with fury, her mind a whirlwind of questions. Why would Kael—Kael of all people—do something so reckless? So thoughtless?
• When she reached the door to his chambers, she didn’t bother knocking. Instead, she shoved it open, startling Kael, who stood by the window, fastening his leather bracers. His dark brows furrowed as he turned to face her.
• "Astrid?" he said, his voice a mix of surprise and confusion. "What’s the meaning of this? You could’ve knocked."