The cold stone in the chambers was nothing compared to the chill that went up and down Elaine’s spine as all ten eyes locked on her.
Torches were lined along the walls, throwing tall, thin shadows that seemed to lean toward King Kael like listeners waiting for his next command.
Elaine stood beside Kael, her nails digging deep into her palms as she clenched them tight.
She forced herself to stand straight, to keep her chin up even though her knees threatened to buckle beneath her.
A dark, bulky man with long brown locs spoke first. “King Kael,” he said, his voice rough as gravel, “This is impossible.”
The word hung in the air. Heavy. Final.
Kael did not look surprised. His face showed little that anyone could read. He answered in the same quiet way he always did. “Yes, I am aware,
