Bound by Desire

The air inside the great hall of the Obsidian Aerie was heavy, smelling of old stone, stale incense, and the bitter scent of burning oil. Xavien sat in a high-backed chair carved from dark mahogany, his hands flat against the polished wood. He forced his breathing to remain slow, keeping his features mask-like as he suppressed a deep sigh. Across the massive table, Malakor was speaking again.

Thi