While the heated debate raged on, Angelina caught Jaegar's eye with the subtlest of glances.
In that fractional moment, understanding passed between them. The young wizard gave an imperceptible nod, his fingers curling slightly at his side—a gesture that would go unnoticed by anyone who wasn't expecting it.
Angelina stepped backward toward Jaegar, her movements so smooth they appeared natural to the untrained eye.
As Badock and Arthur argued over their next course of action, Angelina moved close to Jaegar.
"—must inform the Emperor immediately!" Badock was saying, his staff thumping against the stone floor for emphasis.
Arthur nodded gravely. "If what Angelina says is true, then the entire imperial security—"
The air around Angelina and Jaegar shimmered almost imperceptibly, like heat rising from sun-baked stones.
Before any of the three men could react, the space where the witch and young wizard had stood moments before was suddenly, impossibly empty.
