Hello, cherished readers! As a thank you to everyone who has been following this story, I have an extra treat for you today. These stunning portraits were created by my dear friend AzulMidnight (Wattpad and Instagram linked in comment).

Go check out her other artwork and her writing — she is awesome at both!

1. Epsa, Royal Guard of Rakim

Her gaze slid down my body and back up, and her voice left in a breathless rasp. "Wear that one."

I trapped my lip between my teeth, eyes flitting down to the exposed cleavage. "I don't know. It's a bit..."

"Wear it." That helpless, adoring smile graced her lips. "Please?"

2. Izra, leader of Rashika's Resistance

Izra's silken frock breezed over a narrow waist and skimmed pronounced hip bones. Still, she held herself with the powerful, passionless poise of a killer.

One who could bring down a kingdom.

And here are a coupe AI-generated images of the pair. Which fits your imagination better?