Page 91 of Crown of Ashes and Desire

“This isn’t just any mission,” Sarp added, uncharacteristically serious. “Midas’s gold magic is unique—it transforms shadows into solid gold, freezing and neutralizing shadow magic on contact. It’s why Erlik kept him as his general for centuries— he’s one of the few beings who can directly counter shadow lords. It’s why we need a small team—speed and stealth are our only advantages against someone who can literally turn our power against us.”

“And light magic?” I countered. “Has Midas found a way to counter that, too?”

Sarp exchanged a glance with Hakan. “Not that we know of.”

I stood slowly, light magic gathering around me. “Then I’m your tactical advantage. I wasn’t asking permission.”

“This meeting is concluded,” Hakan announced, his voice abrupt. “We depart in thirty minutes. Lady Ada will remain in the Shadow Court.”

The shadow lords filed out quickly, relief evident in their hasty departures. Only Sarp remained, watching the unfolding drama with undisguised fascination.

“You’re not coming, Ada,” Hakan said once we were alone. “That’s final.”

“Our agreement?—”

"Our agreement doesn't obligate me to risk your life unnecessarily!" His voice cut sharp and cold. "You're staying here."

"You don't get to decide that for me." I stepped closer, my light flaring with my rising anger.

"I just did." He pivoted away from me, a clear dismissal. "Guards will be posted at your chambers."

"You're imprisoning me now? After everything we've discussed about trust?"

He didn't face me. "Call it what you want. You'll thank me when you're still alive to complete the ritual."

That did it. My light exploded outward in a concentrated burst, striking him squarely between the shoulders. He staggered forward, caught off guard by the attack, before spinning to face me, eyes blazing with cold fire.

“That won’t change my decision,” he growled, shadows gathering around his clenched fists.

“I’m not your prisoner,” I spit. “I’m not your subject. And I’m sure as hell not your wife anymore.”

Outside, the storm began to subside, as if it had spent its fury alongside our own. I remembered reading about this phenomenon in the ancient texts—how powerful magic users, particularly those with complementary powers like shadow and light, could inadvertently affect natural elements during intense emotional states. Our unchecked anger had literally created a tempest.

“This isn’t a game, Ada.” He stalked toward me, each step bringing the temperature in the room lower. “This is war. There are too many risks. You’ll get yourself killed.”

“Worried about losing your power source?” I taunted, and refused to back away as he advanced.

His hand shot out, and gripped my upper arm. “You think that’s all this is about? Power?”

“Isn’t it?” I twisted in his grip. “It’s all it’s ever been about with you.”

A muscle worked in his jaw as he fought for control. “You have no idea what this is about.”

“Then enlighten me,” I challenged, my face inches from his. “Explain why you get to make unilateral decisions about my life, five years after you abandoned me.”

His grip tightened momentarily before he shoved away from me, turning toward the door. “We’re done here.”

I launched another bolt of light, this one clipping his shoulder. “We’re not done until I say we’re done.”

He turned slowly, shadows swirling dangerously around him. The room darkened as if night had suddenly fallen, my light the only source of illumination. “Are you actually trying to fight me, Ada?”

“If that’s what it takes to make you listen.”

The air between us crackled with opposing magic. Outside, the storm intensified, lightning flashing across the rapidly blackening sky. The pressure built in the atmosphere, like the moment when a devastating storm was about to break.

Hakan moved with inhuman speed, crossing the space between us instantly. His hand closed around my throat, not squeezing, but a clear threat.

“You want me to listen?” he snarled. “Fine. I’m listening. Tell me why I should risk the entire ritual, risk everything I’ve worked for, just to satisfy your pride.”

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