Chapter 15: Desire

Asher's eyes skimmed the diagrams and symbols in the tome, carefully committing each line of the spell to memory. He could feel his pulse thudding, already fatigued from his earlier outburst with Kael and the dark energy it had stirred. His hand shook slightly as he reached for a small crystal on his desk—a focus to help channel the spell.

Taking a deep breath, he began the incantation, his voice low and steady as he concentrated on the words. The spell was meant to sharpen his perception, enhancing his intuition to better read the intentions of those around him—an edge he needed in a court where alliances and grudges lay hidden beneath polite facades.