95
~Elara's POV
I watched him step out of the torture chamber, his body stiff, his face empty in a way that scared me more than his rage. Blood stained his hands and clothes, but he did not seem to see it. Guards stood outside, frozen, unsure whether to bow or to run. For a moment, everything was quiet, like the world was holding its breath.
Then he moved.
He reached for one of the guards and pulled the sword from his hand in one smooth motion. The sound of the blade leaving its sheath rang sharp in the air. My heart leaped in terror.
"No," I cried. "Darlon, please. Stop."
He did not hear me. He turned and walked forward, slow at first, then faster. Panic spread through the hallway. Guards shouted. Maids screamed. People tried to run, but fear slowed them down.
He struck without hesitation.
I screamed his name over and over, my voice breaking. "Darlon! Darlon, please listen to me!"
