Slowly, the figure raised one long, pale hand from beneath the dark folds of his cloak. The moment his fingers moved, the spiritual energy filling the entire chamber violently trembled, bending out of shape like water under a heavy storm.
Physician Alaric's face went completely pale, his old hands trembling as he felt the sheer weight of the stranger's presence.
"Your Majesty..."
"I feel it," Cassian interrupted softly, his dark, golden eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. "Everyone step behind my back."
Wei Xiang, however, did not retreat a single step. He remained firmly positioned beside Lin Wan's bed, his hand holding hers tight.
Cassian glanced back at him, his voice laced with cold fury.
"I said get behind me."
"I am staying right here beside her," Wei Xiang replied without hesitation, his dark eyes locking onto the ruler's gaze.
"This is not a polite request," Cassian warned dangerously.
Wei Xiang's gaze hardened, his stance unyielding.
