The sharp, rhythmic clink of the golden master key dangling from Arlo’s fingers sounded like the ticking of a death clock.
I couldn't breathe. My back was pressed hard against the freezing stone of the alcove, my chest heaving as the reality of what had just happened crashed down on me. Elian stood a few feet away, his hands still trembling, the faint violet glow light flickering out like a dying candle.
"What a touching display of loyalty," Arlo purred, stepping out from the shadows of the arched colonnade. The bright afternoon sun caught the pristine white of his silks, making him look like an angel, but the smile stretched across his handsome face was entirely demonic. "My brother’s prized little pet, rutting in the corridors with the household staff. And here I thought Gunnar kept a
