But I’ve never felt this rage before. This burning need inside of me. Being away from Zella is like having my heart ripped out of my chest. Like losing my identity.

Without her, I don’t know who I am. I’m an empty vessel, going through the motions of life without being fully present.

I’ve lived for a hundred and ninety-seven years, but I wasn’t truly alive until I met her.

For the past month, I’ve had to keep up the pretenses that I’m okay. That I’m a competent and reliable king—not a madman on the verge of a breakdown.

Lightning flickers above me as I fly into Hailene with the clouds. They mask me, hiding my presence from the alarmed nobles on the ground below.

Over the rolling thunder, I hear their cries of fear and shouts of warning.

They have no idea what’s going on.

Usually, the Day Realm weather is pleasant. It’s warm, almost too hot for my taste. I’m used to the crisp, autumn-like air of the Night Realm. My home. Soon to be Zella’s home as well.

Although I can’t see more than a few feet ahead, I know the castle is close by. I can sense the distance by the sound of the wind bouncing off the stone.

Plus, Zella’s nearness flows through my veins like a drug. I follow the electric sensation, knowing it’s leading me to my love.

Flapping my wings, I slow and push the fog away. As it clears, I see her.

She’s inside her bedroom, pressing her hands to the glass of the window as she smiles at me. She’s paler than she was the last time I saw her. There are dark circles under her eyes like she hasn’t been sleeping. Her cheeks are sunken, as if she hasn’t been eating.

And judging by the iron bars on all her windows, it’s safe to guess she’s been kept a prisoner in her own home.

My temper flares.

She’s been mistreated, with no way out.

If she’d attempted to escape through the window, the iron would’ve burned her badly. I scan the exposed skin of her arms, her chest, and her face.

No wounds. At least she appears unharmed.

Her sister is beside her, and the two look very much alike with their long blond hair and vivid purple eyes. Zephina and I interacted just hours ago, but I had to keep up my nonchalant façade. I didn’t want to give away my plans.

I also knew she’d read my note, which is why I went with a cryptic letter.

“I love you,” Zella mouths at me.

I press a hand over my heart. It’s the same sign I used to give her when we had to part ways every month. This is hers. It beats only because she exists.