C218 A MORTAL THE COURT COULD NOT IGNORE

Morning did not arrive lightly.

It came heavily, pressing against the city like an accusation.

Aria woke with the strange realization that she was no longer alone in the world—not in the way mortals meant when they spoke of love or friendship, but in a deeper, more dangerous sense. As if something big had opened its eyes and decided she mattered.

The mark on her palm had faded to a tiny