Page 76 of The Alien's Vicious Starflash Manor

“Your Lordship?” His voice wavers slightly. “Firnator Syella sends word that the maze is complete and ready for your inspection.”

Of course it is. Another piece falling into place, another step closer to the inevitable. “Tell her I’ll be out shortly.”

He bows and retreats, closing the door carefully behind him.

I turn back to the letters, forcing my hands to steady as I write. The words flow more easily now that I’ve accepted the necessity of this course.

Lady Uanna,

Your expertise in court matters would be invaluable in preparing my guests for their presentation at the peace summit. I would consider it a personal favor if you would lend your considerable talents to their education.

The ice coating my desk thickens as I write, making the pen slip across the surface. When I try to warm it enough to continue writing, nothing happens. My magic remains stubbornly cold, refusing to bend to my will.

The second letter proves even more challenging:

Lord Vazor,

Given your unique position and experience with both courts, I believe your assistance would be invaluable in preparing...

My hand cramps around the pen as another wave of uncontrolled power surges through me. The temperature plummets further, and frost forms on the windows in elaborate patterns that mock my attempts at control.

I need to finish these letters. Need to send them before I lose my nerve. Before my pride reasserts itself.

Like my world, my power is dying by inches. But I will continue to do whatever necessary to save my people. Even if it means accepting help I don’t want.

I scratch out the rest of the note to Vazor. The bell pull to summon Khrint hangs beside my desk, ice-coated and gleaming in the weak sunlight filtering through the frosted windows. I reach for it, then pause as a wave of dizziness washes over me. Finally, I manage to tug the bellpull.

“Khrint,” I call out, my voice rougher than intended. He appears almost instantly, as if he’s been waiting just outside.

“Your Lordship?” His gaze takes in the state of my study, but his expression remains carefully neutral.

“Have these delivered immediately.” I hand him the letters, not mentioning how the frost coating them begins to melt at his touch. “And inform Firnator Syella I’ll inspect the maze within the hour.”

He bows and withdraws, leaving me alone with my thoughts and my failing magic.

My powers are slipping away like water through my fingers, leaving only winter’s bite behind. And now I must put my trust in others—in Uanna’s political machinations, in Vazor’s divided loyalties.

In my ability to maintain control long enough to see this through.

The double full moon looms ahead like a death sentence, and time grows shorter with each passing moment. But I haveno choice. The Evans sisters must survive long enough to serve their purpose.

Long enough for Lara...

Frost explodes across my study at the thought of her, coating every surface in glittering ice that refuses to retreat at my command.

Six days.

It will have to be enough.

It must be enough.

I rise from my desk, frost crackling beneath my feet as I move toward the door. The maze awaits inspection, and after that, a thousand other tasks that must be completed before the summit.

Before the sacrifice.

Before the end.

Ifollow Syella across the snow-covered field behind Starfrost Manor, my boots crunching through fresh powder with each step. The ice maze looms before us, its crystalline walls catching the sunlight and fracturing it into rainbow shards.

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