The words hung heavy in the air, sharp and terrible: poisoned.
For a heartbeat, silence fell over us — heavy, suffocating, as even the wind seemed to hold its breath. My hands flew to my mouth, eyes burning instantly with hot, stinging tears. The bundle wrapped soft in the towel looked so small, so still, so fragile against the maid's trembling arms.
Dave… my sweet, gentle Dave…
"Give him to me," I whispered, voice breaking. I reached out with shaking hands and took him carefully, pressing him close against my chest. His little body was limp, cold, and shivering violently, his breathing shallow and faint, barely a flutter against my palm. "Who… who would do such a cruel thing? He is only a harmless little creature!"
Elara stepped instantly to my side, her bright warmth gone, replaced by sharp, icy focus. She scanned the faces of the servants, her gaze piercing and commanding. "Are you absolutely certain it was poison? You saw the mark clearly?"
