The tremors from Lilian's descent shook the mountain. Above the chaos, in the high corridors of the High Council chamber, the doors didn't just open. They were blown off their hinges by a gust of freezing air.
Elder Valerius stepped into the hallway, his face was no longer calm. His eyes, which were usually a cloudy grey, were now burning with crimson light.
The can in his hand struck the floor like a hammer, sending sparks of electricity into the air.
"Erielle!" Valerius's voice boomed through the minds of every vampire in the wing. "Come out and face your executioner!"
But he didn't wait, sweeping his cane in a wide arc, and the two Enforcers guarding the Elder's private quarters were slammed against the walls by an invisible force, their armor crumpling like paper.
Erielle stepped out with a pale face, her hands trembling as she clutched a dark stone.
"Valerius, stay back!" she shrieked.
