[Princess Seraphina's Private Garden — Continuation]
Silence settled over the garden.
No one moved, no one spoke. The spring breeze continued carrying the fragrance of jasmine through the pavilion, yet somehow...the air had become unbearably heavy.
Levin stood before Arkhazunn; his blue eyes remained calm, patient, and waiting. Arkhazunn, however...could not bring himself to speak; his fingers slowly tightened beneath his sleeves.
Varesh noticed. Seraphina noticed. Even Levin noticed that the High Mage...was hesitating.
Then Levin finally broke the silence. "Arkhazunn."
The High Mage immediately raised his head. Levin's voice remained steady. "If the answer is unpleasant...then all the more reason not to delay it."
Silence.
