The magic cuffs clicked into place over Maddy wrists, blazing with runes which glowed dimly on the pale skin. They throbbed, with gentle, blue light, old magic which was supposed to bind, not bruise. Yet somehow, they still looked like shackles from a war long lost.
Two neutral guards flanked her, expressionless, their armor etched with anti-manipulation sigils and protection glyphs. No enchantment, no seduction, no lie would pass their wards.
Maddy said nothing.
No tears this time. No rage. No protest.
Only a haunting stillness.
She was standing with her chin in the air, and her dress was as new as could be, a piece of ivory that looked almost to be glowing against the stone of the corridors which were dark. The fire of her eyes shot not forth. She didn’t twitch.
It was as if stilln
