••{RHIANNON'S POV}••
Seraphine's brows pull together, a sharp frown cutting across her face.
"No?" she repeats.
The word barely settles before a loud voice echoes through the corridor outside Azrael's chambers.
"Let me in this instant! I wish to see the Emperor!"
Everyone's gaze snaps toward the closed doors.
My spine stiffens. Nayeesha's shoulders tense beside me. Azeria straightens from where she sits near Azrael's bed, and Seraphine turns fully toward the sound, her expression already darkening.
The guards outside answer, their voices firm.
"Lady Delilah, we can't let you enter the Emperor's chambers," one says.
"Turn around and leave," says the other.
"I will not." Delilah shouts. "Move!"
There's a scuffle. I hear the sound of boots scraping against stone then the doors burst open.
Delilah stumbles inside, nearly losing her balance. Her hair is disheveled, her breathing uneven, eyes blazing with anger. Two guards rush in after her and immediately bow their heads.
