The cold that had lanced through Nyx’s chest didn’t dissipate; it lingered, settling into her bones like frost. She leaned heavily against Vane, her breathing ragged, the walls of the corridor seeming to pulse with a low, thrumming vibration she couldn't quite identify.
"Nyx, breathe," Vane commanded, his voice a steady, rhythmic pulse against her ear. He scooped her up effortlessly, his arms locking around her with the unyielding strength of a mountain. "We are going back to the suite. Now."
Malphas and Caspian didn't ask questions. They were moving, a phalanx of silent, lethal concern. Malphas led the way, his eyes scanning the shadows of the hall with a feral intensity, while Caspian trailed behind, his hand resting on his blade, his presence a living, breathing warning to any thre
