Torian stepped ahead of me, using his body as a protective wall. “Valerius,” he stated, his voice steady and firm. “You have no leverage here. Tell us about the Chronometer of Seraphiel.”
Valerius raised a dismissive hand toward Torian, the chains rattling and clinking against the floor. “The bodyguard act is tiresome,” there was laughter in Valerius’s tone as he addressed Torian, but his eyes never left mine. “Come, child, step into the light. I need to know if Rosariel left any of her warmth with you.”
I stepped out from behind Torian and stopped just short of the shimmering containment ward. There was a chill that ran down my spine, and I couldn’t be sure if it was from Valerius or the room itself. “I am not Rosariel,” I stated, attempting to draw on the same collected calm that I use
