Evangeline bit her lower lip, swallowing the bitter wave of fury that threatened to spill over. She forced her rigid posture into a cold, calculated bow.
"As you command, Your Majesty," she murmured.
The Emperor swept out of the hall, his dark cape billowing behind his furious strides, and the rest of the court scrambled to follow him like frightened rats. Within moments, the blood-stained chamber emptied, leaving no one behind except Carcil.
Evangeline turned on her heel, preparing to leave without a word, but his voice cut through the silence.
"Eva, wait."
She paused, her back still turned to him. "What is it?"
Carcil closed the distance between them, his movements swift and unyielding. Before she could react, his hand shot out, tearing the dark fur stole from her shoulders. The fabric slipped away, fully exposing the vicious, inflamed crimson brand carved into her pale skin.
