One

I couldn't look away.

Not even as I felt my stomach drop and my hands tingle with desperation. This was it, this was goodbye. I wanted to stay...to talk to the only friend who saw every side of me. Every dark shadow and every flicker of light.

I guess it didn't matter.

Love was never a part of my future, I know that now. There's a court to rebuild, a family name to save and the Vanserra mantra to live by.

In fear, in faith; we ignite. In blood, in body; we burn. To earth's end, to the next world's call; ashes will fall.

Until the last ember fades, I will reign.

Cover art by @LJLaFleur