Eiravyne sucked in a breath.
"Theodore…" she started, instinctively reaching for him, fear flashing through her at what he'd just done.
But he didn't move. He stayed right there in front of her, stubborn and furious.
The guard's mouth tightened. His gaze flicked from Theodore to Eiravyne, something unreadable passing through his eyes.
"…That will be all," he said at last, stiffly.
He stepped back, giving a short bow that held more formality than respect, then turned and walked away.
Only when he was gone did Theodore relax.
He turned to her immediately, eyes searching her face. "Are you okay?" he asked, softer now, worried. "Did he scare you?"
Eiravyne's knees felt weak.
She dropped down in front of him without thinking and pulled him into her arms, holding him tightly, her face pressed into his shoulder.
"I'm okay," she whispered, though her voice trembled. "I promise."
But as she held him, her thoughts churned.
Because now she knew.
