The air in the grand hall grew thick, heavy with an oppressive spiritual pressure and mounting fear. Odesse watched as Azure lay seemingly lifeless on the stone floor, while Cara stood over her with a look of triumphant joy.
But Odesse's mind raced. "No. Azure is not the type of person to let her guard down so easily." Her fingers clenched into a tight fist as an icy realization washed over her. Her eyes snapped wide, and she cried out, "It's a trap!"
Valex looked at her instantly as she shouted toward the maid. "Cara, leave her side now! Step away from her this minute!"
Cara turned her head slowly, a look of confusion crossing her face. "Huh?"
"Leave her side this minute, Cara!" Odesse pleaded.
Before Cara could take a single step backward, she froze. A sudden gasp cut through the hallway as every eye widened in horror. Cara desperately clutched at her throat, struggling against an invisible, crushing grip. She thrashed, yet there was no physical hand touching her skin.
