Page 2 of Crown of Ashes and Desire

“Rumors,” she whispered. “Shadows at the temple borders.”

My heart leaped into my throat. “Dark magic? But who would dare?—”

“The Karanlikoglu,” Asu whispered, her eyes wide with fear. “The Shadow-born clan.”

I squeezed her hand tightly. The Karanlikoglu had long opposed the alliance between our kingdom and Deniz’s. Their leader, Erlik Han, the Demon of Ashes and Shadows, ruled Kara Cehennem—the Dark Underworld. If his followers were here…

“Well, well,” Melo drawled, her hackles rising. “Looks like someone crashed the party. How inconsiderate. They didn’t even RSVP.”

My mind raced. Why now? Why would the Karanlikoglu choose this day to attack? Unless…

Unless they knew how crucial this wedding was for the alliance between Light and Shadow Court.

A chill ran down my spine. I remembered the threats made at the last peace summit, where Erlik Han’s representatives spokewith cold calculation: “Lord Erlik sees no benefit in this union. The natural order demands separation, not alliance.”

Whispers among the court suggested Erlik had been orchestrating conflicts between our realms for centuries, keeping us divided while he expanded his power.

“We should inform the guards,” Asu said. She moved towards the door.

I caught her arm. “No. Not yet. We don’t know for certain?—”

“Ada, be reasonable,” Asu pleaded. “If there’s even a chance Erlik is here?—”

“Then what?” I challenged. “We throw the entire court into panic? Deniz’s family would see it as a slight, a reason to call off the alliance. We can’t risk that.”

Asu’s expression softened. “Oh, Ada. Is that truly all you’re worried about? The alliance?”

I looked away, unable to meet her knowing gaze. Of course, that was not all I was worried about. My heart pounded, a war drum beating out a rhythm of fear and… anticipation. If the Karanlikoglu were truly here, it meant this wedding—this carefully negotiated peace—balanced on a knife's edge.

"You're not fooling anyone, you know," Melo said quietly. "Least of all yourself. You're hoping for some excitement to liven up this dreadfully dull affair."

"We proceed as planned," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. "But quietly alert the temple guards. Have them increase patrols, especially near the outer wards. And keep an eye out for Erlik or any of his known associates."

When Asu left, I faced the mirror again. I barely recognized the woman staring back at me. Gone was the carefree girl who once ran barefoot through the moonlit rooftops of Isik-Gölge, laughing while Hakan chased her. In her place stood a future leader of the Light Court, resplendent in white and gold, her face a mask of calm determination.

But the eyes… The eyes were the same. And in their depths, I could still see the flicker of wildfire that Hakan kindled all those years ago.

I closed my eyes, allowing myself one moment of weakness. One moment to remember the feel of Hakan’s lips on mine, the sound of his laughter, the safety I had felt in his arms before everything shattered my soul.

“You know,” Melo said, her voice uncharacteristically gentle, “it’s okay to admit you still have feelings for the shadow lord. It doesn’t make you weak. It makes you part human.”

I looked down at my faithful companion, surprised by her sudden softness. “I can’t, Melo. I can’t let myself feel that. Not now.”

With a deep breath, I straightened my spine and lifted my chin. Whatever comes next—be it a joyous union or the return of my darkest nightmare—I would face it with the strength and grace befitting a daughter of the Isik Sarayi, heir to Gün Ata’s divine light.

When I stepped out of my chambers, the weight of my destiny settled around my shoulders like a cloak. The corridors of the Eternal Temple were a blur of white marble and golden light. Courtiers and servants pressed themselves against the walls as I passed, their whispers following in my wake.

“Did you hear?—?”

“Shadow magic at the borders?—”

“Surely they wouldn’t dare?—”

“My, my, aren’t we popular today?” Melo muttered. “Though I suspect it has less to do with your stunning ensemble and more with the possibility of a certain dark and brooding gatecrasher.”

As I approached the grand doors of the ceremonial hall, I caught sight of my uncle, resplendent in his formal robes. His smile didn’t quite reach his eyes when he offered me his arm.

“Are you ready, my dear?” he asked, his voice low.

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