The shadows in the room shift.
They peel away from the walls and corners, flowing toward me like serpents. They rush out of him, too. I feel them touch my skin – cool and insubstantial at first. Like a breath of air.
I yelp, because I don’t like it.
“Stop!” I beg.
“I will if you are honest with me,” Corvius says.
“Iambeing honest.”
The shadows change. They become more solid, slithering across my arms and legs like eels. The sensation is unpleasant but not unbearable.
“Are you lying?” he asks.
“No. I swear.” I try to pull away, but it’s no use. The shadows tighten.
They wrap around my wrists, my ankles, my throat. Not choking, not yet, but constricting, the pressure building.
It starts to hurt.
“Please,” I gasp. “Please stop.”
“I will when you’re honest with me.”
“I’m telling the truth!” I yell.
The shadows twist tighter. They coil around my chest, squeezing until my ribs ache to the point where I can’t take a full breath.
I feel my magic start to surge. It rises in my veins, hot and desperate, wanting to burst out and protect me.
I clench my jaw, forcing it down.
If I lash out, if I use my magic to break free, he’ll know I’ve been lying this whole time.
But gods’ bones, I can’t hold on much longer.
The shadows squeeze tighter still. My vision starts to blur. Sweat drips down my face, stinging my eyes.
Kakara help me…please.
“Last chance,” Corvius murmurs.
My magic pushes against my control. One more second and it’s going to break through—
The door to the room bursts open.
“Captain Corvius!”
The shadows release me. I sag in the chair, gasping for air. My chest heaves. My hands tremble.
Corvius turns, his expression thunderous. “What is it? Can’t you see that I’m busy?” he snarls.
A young guard stands in the doorway, looking nervous. “Apologies, sir, but…” He glances at me. “You’re ordered to let the girl go. She’s been cleared.”
“Cleared?” Corvius’s voice is sharp. “By whom? Was it Belen?”
“No, sir. By the Ruler General.”
