The chamber still rang in Elaria’s ears long after the staff struck to adjourn.
Her heart was not the only thing pounding relentlessly in her chest; it was also the memory of every voice that had been raised, every snarl of incredulity, and every crack in the council's poise. It had felt more like a stay of execution than mercy when Elder Maelen's voice eventually broke through the chaos and called a recess before the chamber completely broke apart.
The guards opened the side hall for her and Draven, and they walked out together in taut silence.
It wasn't until Draven's hand curled around hers and grounded her that Elaria realized she was shaking. The way his thumb skimmed over her knuckles revealed his own constraint, even though his palm was warm and his hold was firm.
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