Back in the King's chamber.
Lorian's purple flames flared in an instant, swelling like a living storm.
The heat distorted the air, swallowing the golden glow of the chamber's lanterns until the room seemed to breathe malice.
The time seemed to have slowed down as the flames flared, and so did the king's eyes.
Siris's fingers twitched toward her daggers, her senses on alert.
She wasn't supposed to interfere, but she would if things looked good.
But as she saw Selena, standing calmly, her shadow trembling, she knew that her help wasn't needed.
The moment Lorian's flames surged outward, the floor beneath Selena's feet began to ripple like black water.
Her shadow writhed and swelled, swallowing the light. From it, shapes emerged—massive wolves of pure darkness, eyes glowing white, their forms bristling with a hunger that wasn't entirely animal.
They struck before Lorian could finish drawing breath.
CRASH.
