Lucien felt it before Rowan spoke, the castle had shifted subtle, almost imperceptible, like a breath drawn too sharply in a quiet room. Power stirred along the ancient wards of the palace, brushing against his senses with a familiar, unwelcome signature.
Rowan stood at the threshold of the king's study, hands clasped behind his back. "She summoned the girl," he said quietly.
Lucien's quill snapped in half.
"How long?" Lucien asked, his voice calm enough to be misleading.
"Less than an hour," Rowan replied. "Aria returned pale. Shaken. She drank blood tea stronger than regulation."
Silence fell.
The shadows in the room deepened, responding to their master's temper. The candles flickered, then steadied afraid.
Lucien rose.
"Summon my cousin," he said. "Now."
Rowan bowed and left without another word.
Selene arrived smiling.
