Aire remained on her knees.
The shadows still coiled around her legs. They pulsed faintly against her skin alive. Every movement hurt, and every breath reminded her she was trapped.
The court hall remained silent.
Aire could feel hundreds of eyes on her.
Dark fae lined the edges of the hall, watching the scene unfold with varying degrees of amusement, curiosity, and indifference.
None of them looked uncomfortable. They looked as though this was normal entertainment, and the last they would get.
Aire lowered her gaze to the floor.
Blood dripped from the corner of her mouth, and a small crimson stain spread across the black stone.
For a moment nobody spoke.
Then footsteps echoed. Vaelor returned to her.
Aire didn't need to look up to know it was him. The sound alone had become familiar. The sound of his footsteps alone was enough to make something cold settle inside her stomach.
He stopped directly before her.
