Meredith and Auren sat around the ghostly blue flame, shivering under its cold breath.
Jasper lay on the ground, his chest rising and falling in a slow rhythm, more stable now than before.
But the charming prince had not risen since.
The storm still raged outside. Every few moments, tremors rattled through the Spire, causing them to shudder. Beyond the walls, the storm roared like a mighty titan advancing to devour them whole.
But the worry that had gripped them minutes ago had loosened its hold.
Auren gazed into the blue flame, his eyes distant as if seeing beyond the present. Meredith's violet eyes, reflecting the cold fire, seemed almost colorless—indifferent and distracted as always.
He turned to glance at Jasper's resting form before shifting his gaze to her.
"Did you know... that he had a terrible allergy to heat?"
Meredith shook her head.
Silence hung between them before her cold, almost emotionless voice sliced through it.
