Kael’s massive hand remained locked around Hazel’s wrist, the iron panels of his gauntlet pressing sharply against her pale skin. On the stone floorboards between them, the small glass vial lay perfectly still, the purple-tinted sleeping vapor bubbling softly beneath the cork.
Hazel held her breath, her heart hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird. Her sky-blue eyes were wide, round, and swimming with a perfect imitation of a helpless human servant. She kept her shoulders slouched deeply forward, forcing her body to tremble.
"I... I was only going to the kitchens, Master Kael," Hazel whispered, her servant voice cracking with a flawless wave of terror. "Master Liam... he woke up thirsty earlier. I was looking for the dried mint leaves to soothe his stomach."
Kael didn't blink. H
