Chapter 89: a confidant, a crown, a calamity.

Tia entered her personal quarters on the seventeenth floor of Rossheim Palace.

Out of deference to her Blessing, the Flame-blessed fireplace that was present in most of the palace's rooms had been replaced by the latest generation of gas-powered heaters, straight from Tenebrae's best manufacturer. The overhead ceiling lights were still powered by dull little Cinders, but the minute power they exuded wasn't enough to disturb her sleep.

Besides, I've dealt with worse before.

When Tia had lived with her mother in the slums of Rosweiss, Flame blessings had been everywhere. At times, the sheer presence of the Flame had caused her daily nosebleeds and constant headaches—all before she'd learned the truth about the power that rested within her soul. 

"Still," she muttered, glancing around at the luxurious fittings and furniture. "I can't complain about the upgrades…"

She kicked off her boots and wiggled her toes into the plush carpet.