23

Dusk darkened the sky when they left the tower, the stones of the aerie happily blending into the shadows, a sight more forbidding than welcoming or protective.

She tried not to let Velius's words bother her. She had a valid reason for her behavior. She was certain Xavien would see that. Really she was.

Except that nervous flutter in her stomach that kept recalling his words.* I will prove to you