The First Queen's smile vanished.
Instantly.
The warmth left the cavern.
The silver light dimmed.
And every shadow in the abyss turned toward the ceiling.
Listening.
Waiting.
Afraid.
Midnight felt it immediately.
Whatever had arrived—
even the abyss didn't want it here.
The realization sent ice through her veins.
Because she had just watched:
the Hollow King submit
Malakar show concern
the First Queen command the throne itself
And now all three looked uneasy.
That was a problem.
A very big problem.
Kael moved closer to Midnight automatically.
The mate bond pulsed.
Protective.
Alert.
Ready for violence.
The First Queen looked upward slowly.
Then sighed.
"Oh."
Not fear.
Annoyance.
The sound echoed strangely through the cavern.
Malakar crossed his arms.
"You kno
