Chapter 18Ciaran
Ciaran’s mother was disheveled and frantic. Ciaran’s father lay on the bed, wheezing. Arian slammed his body against the door, trying to force it open.
“You i***t. Your son is not fit to rule. Let us out now!” Arian demanded, his fists pounding against the door. Arian coughed, his body swaying as he tried to break free.
The small black button lay in Ciaran’s father’s hand. He looked at Arian with pity and his wife with regret. Astrid slapped the king. She pressed her necklace against the door. The door would not open.
“Once I have pressed the button, the doors will not open until I am dead,” the king whispered. King Aster clutched his necklace, its alarm still ringing.
“Then we kill him now,” Arian urged, attempting to lift a chair. He was too weak. It crashed to the
