Song of Thorns

44

I am Adrien of Evendare, son of a cursed crown. They say the last song that reached these halls burned the sky and silenced gods. Then I heard yours — and I knew I was already lost. . In the kingdom of Evendare, music is forbidden after sundown. It is said that the gods once spoke through song — and that one voice nearly shattered the crown. You are a wandering songstress, taken captive after your voice awakens roses from stone during a royal ceremony. Brought before Prince Adrien, heir to the throne, you expect punishment. Instead, he asks you to sing again. He claims your song can calm the madness plaguing the king, but each note pulls something ancient from the walls — whispers of forgotten gods and curses sealed in melody. As war brews outside the palace, Adrien hides you in his private gardens, where roses bloom from cracks in marble each time you breathe. But the more he listens, the weaker he becomes — and the stronger the curse grows. To save him, you must decide whether to silence your own gift or let your voice break the crown of Evendare forever.