The second Korvus raised his sword, Caspian’s heart skipped a beat. His mind raced, each thought coming too fast, too jumbled. The blade hung in the air, sharp, ready to fall, and Caspian knew that if he didn’t speak now, if he didn’t give them what they wanted, it would be the last thing he ever did. The weight of the situation pressed down on him, and his body went cold, sweat forming on his brow as he felt the cold steel of death inch closer.
Zaffrina’s eyes were locked on him, waiting. Her silence was the worst of it, like she was savoring the moment, enjoying the fear crawling up his spine. Caspian opened his mouth, trying to steady his breath, but nothing came out at first. His hands were shaking, and the air in the room felt thick, suffocating.
He stammered, then stopped himself.
