47
Birthright
The air surrounding Melanie shimmered, and Julian backed away as far as he could without leaving the platform. After what had just happened, he neither trusted the rest of the floor in the chamber nor knew what to think of the shimmering around Melanie.
He could only pray it was for the best.
The shimmering continued for several long seconds, and gradually was joined by a low humming that grew in pitch until it made Julian wince and want to press his hands to his ears.
But before he could do that, it ceased, and with it the shimmering.
Melanie collapsed limply to the floor of the platform, free of her prison.
Jared moved to help, but Julian beat him to it. Almost at the speed of thought, he was on his knees next to her, his sword left behind thoughtlessly. He reache
