The silence that followed was worse than the tremor itself.
For one terrible moment, nobody moved.
Nobody spoke.
The corridor stood frozen beneath flickering torchlight while the last echoes of the palace's violent shudder seemed to linger within the ancient stone.
Ariana's breath came unevenly.
The burning sensation at the back of her waist had not disappeared.
If anything, it had become stronger.
Sharper.
More aware.
As though the mark beneath her skin had awakened from a long slumber and now refused to return to sleep.
Across from her, Alexander stood perfectly still.
His eyes had returned to silver.
The brief flash of gold was gone.
Yet Ariana could not forget what she had seen.
Nor could she forget the impossible pressure that had filled the corridor when his eyes changed.
Serena stepped closer immediately.
"Ariana."
Her voice was cautious now.
Protective.
Concerned.
The princess swallowed.
"I'm fine."
Neither Serena nor Alexander believed her.
