Darkness swallowed the chamber. Every candle died at once. The sudden blackness hit Elena like a physical blow. For one terrifying moment she couldn't see anything.
Couldn't see Lucien or even the doorway.
There was so much pitch darkness it was impossible to see her own hands. Only the memory of that laugh remained.
It sounded so hysterical and inspired negativity, then silver light flashed beside her. Lucien. His eyes glowed in the darkness. Just enough to illuminate his face.
What Elena saw there made her blood run cold. He looked furious. Not at her. He stared hard at the doorway. An attempt to label whatever had spoken. At whatever had laughed.
The vampire king stepped in front of her in a protective formation. As though placing himself between her and the entire world.
"Stay be
