Ethan hadn’t slept.
Not since her lips had formed the name of Maddy as though it were the last word which she was uttering.
When he came back to the palace the sky was bruised gray, windless, heavy with the promise of a storm that had not yet burst. His footsteps were cold, calculated, he went through the halls like a possessed man.
No more shadows.
No more speculation.
Today, the veil would fall.
By the time he had approached the council-chambers the guards made way without remonstrance. They had seen the glint in his eyes, an expression that teemed with betrayal and blood.
Remi was sitting already against the hearth, with her arms crossed, a deep line between her brows.
“Is she awake?” Ethan asked, voice hoarse.
Remi shook her head. “Still unconscious. Her vitals are stable, but
