Ren didn't know how long he lay there. The wind and rain were a constant roar, but their sound was distant compared to the throb of blood in his ears, the roar of memories in his head.
The palace is empty. Too empty. He walks. Down the long hall. And the silence is defeaning. Then he looked down. His hand is covered in blood. Blood, like the blood streaking the walls. Where were everyone? His father? His mother? Ilya, his sister? He started shaking. But still he walks. Hids magic roars within him, a tide that drowns the screams outside. His palace is too empty. It's too silent. His body shook as he walks at the blood-streaked halls. He walks, while his silent palace bleeds.
Something brushed his cheek. Frayed nerves snapped to life, and his eyes fluttered open.
Bell is kneeling beside h
