Ariane:
I bowed low to the Archiver, letting the tips of my hair brush against the dusty stone floor.
When I rose again, her pale eyes had already drifted closed as if she were no longer there at all, her spirit fading back into whatever place had loaned her to us for these few harrowing moments.
I turned without a word, my throat burning, my hands curling into fists at my sides.
The others looked at me with varying shades of worry lining their faces.
They knew, maybe not what was said, but that something had been said—something that weighed too heavily on my shoulders for me to hide.
"We're done here," I said, my voice rough and shaking despite my best efforts.
Varek stiffened. "She told you something, didn't she, Ariane?"
Kaelen's hand brushed mine again, seeking me out despite
