For three heartbeats...
No one moved.
The chamber remained completely dark.
The fire had died.
The torches had gone out.
Even the moonlight seemed to have disappeared behind an unnatural veil.
Only the faint red glow beneath Aliena's skin remained.
Sebastian could feel her trembling fingers inside his.
"Aliena."
"I'm here."
Her voice was barely audible.
Sebastian tightened his grip.
"Don't let go."
"I won't."
Another silence followed.
Then—
A soft laugh echoed through the chamber.
Not loud.
Not threatening.
Almost...
Amused.
Sebastian immediately turned toward the sound.
"Who are you?"
Nothing.
He stepped forward.
"Show yourself."
Lord Cassian whispered,
"Prince Sebastian, don't."
Sebastian ignored him.
His eyes adjusted slowly to the darkness.
Nothing stood between the pillars.
Nothing moved near the fireplace.
The shadows remained perfectly still.
Then the voice came again.
This time...
It sounded closer.
