The crack crossed the heart chamber like thunder trapped in ice.
It was not large.
Not at first.
Only a thin line appearing on the white floor, cutting through one of the ancient runic circles around the bed. But in that same instant, everyone inside the chamber felt the weight of it. Ingrid pulled the little girl back before she even understood what had happened. The guards raised shields of ice. The mages began reinforcing the lights without waiting for an order.
The little girl looked at the crack.
And heard.
Very far away.
But far too close.
A voice saying her name.
She covered her ears with both hands.
"No," she whispered.
The crack glowed gold.
Ingrid placed herself in front of her.
"Look at me, child."
"He spoke."
"I know."
"He said my name."
"Then forget his voice. Listen to mine."
