The slow, rhythmic sloshing of the steaming water was the only sound occupying the vast, marble chamber. Silver remained frozen in place, staring at her with a tense, unreadable anticipation. Beneath the surface, the dark magic of his bloodline seemed to hum, causing his long, snowy ears to twitch sharply, while his fluffy white tail broke the water's surface, swaying behind him.
Evangeline's crimson eyes lowered, staring directly at the betraying movement of his tail.
"Hey," she muttered dryly, her voice cutting through the mist. "Get away from me, you cat."
Silver's golden eyes darkened instantly, his ears flattening against his white hair in pure, unadulterated offense. "I am not a cat, My Queen."
"That is not what your tail is telling me," she replied, her lips twitching with a rare, unspoken amusement.
