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D eep in the halls of The Stone Palace, Annelise and Zion lay in white, narrow beds in the infirmary. The castle had fallen silent, the soft sounds of celebrations lingering outside and bleeding through the stone walls.

Their limbs rest at their sides, their eyes gently closed.

Their bodies were cleansed of blood and ichor.

But slowly… softly… the sound of a beating heart filled the castle.

Then two.

If one were to listen closely, the sound of a spine mending could be heard, snapping softly back into place. As if a collective breath were being held, the castle fell impossibly silent for one long moment.

Somewhere deep in The Stone Palace of Akra, ancient magic was at work .

Annelise’s blue eyes flashed open, a gasp escaping her pale pink lips.