The silence that followed Aliena's question stretched painfully long.
The corridor felt colder now, the flickering torchlight dancing across the stone walls as if even the flames were uncertain about what they had just heard.
Aliena stood a few feet away from Sebastian, her eyes fixed on his face. She was searching him—searching for anything that would tell her Rael was lying.
Anything.
But Sebastian stood still.
Too still.
His jaw was tight, and for the first time since she had known him, there was something hesitant in his eyes.
Asher looked between them, confusion slowly turning into unease.
Petiron leaned against the cracked statue, his gaze sharp despite the pain still radiating through his back.
Rael?
Rael was enjoying himself.
He leaned against the wall like someone watching a play unfold, golden eyes glowing faintly with quiet amusement.
"Well?" he murmured softly.
"Don't keep the poor girl waiting."
Sebastian exhaled slowly.
The sound felt heavy.
