Page 155 of The Shattered Rite
Eliryn flinched. “What are you doing?”
“Protecting you,” the guard barked. “And everyone else.”
Vaeronth snarled in her mind.He thinks you could be the threat.
The guard’s hand clamped down on her arm.
“Don’t—” she gasped.
“I’m not hurting you. We’re moving.”
“You’re dragging me like a prisoner!”
“This is containment. You’re covered in blood. You’re one of the trial chosen. You’re dangerous whether you intend to be or not.”
She recoiled instinctively.
Behind her, Whitvale’s voice turned sharp. “Watch your tone.”
The guard’s grip tightened—but hesitated.
Vaeronth murmured.He’s confused who outranks who.
“I’m blind!” she cried, desperate now. “Where do you think I’ll run to?”
Whitvale again, quieter. “She’s not resisting.”
“She’s covered in blood,” the guard gritted. “We’re securing the scene.”
Her breathing cracked. “Where are you taking me?”
“To a secure room. You and him both.” A pause, then grimly: “Until we know for certain who’s dead. And who did it.”
The magic suppressing me earlier—it’s gone. I see clearly now. Whoever attacked… uses magic that shouldn’t exist.Vaeronth rumbled.
She staggered.
What?she breathed.
Later. Walk. Now.
She let herself be pulled. Her feet dragged over stone, every step unfamiliar. Without Vaeronth’s whispered guidance, she’d have collapsed.
They’re leading you downward,he said quietly.A stairwell. Narrow. Guard tower built into the walls. You’re heading to a holding floor.
She tasted iron and fear on her tongue.
Whitvale follows you. He’s silent. Thinking.
A door opened. Metal hinges. She was ushered roughly inside.
Small stone chamber,Vaeronth confirmed.Bench. One door. Whitvale paces. Fast. Nervous. He glances at you constantly.
Her knees gave out. She found the bench by accident.
“What is this?” Her voice broke. “Why are we here?”
Whitvale stopped pacing. “I don’t know. Something’s happening in the palace. People are tense. And that audience with the king… none of it makes sense.”
