Kinto did not dare remain another second. The instant he regained the strength to stand, he staggered upright and fled the chamber, face pale and bloodied, his breath ragged with fear. Never in his life had he felt death so near, cold and absolute, pressing on his very soul.
Akai watched his younger brother's retreating figure with a sigh. For all his anger, a flicker of sorrow passed through his eyes. Then, as the sound of the prince's footsteps faded, his gaze hardened, the sorrow giving way to iron resolve.
When he turned toward Vlad, the air itself seemed to bow. The Faelara Prince stood tall, posture poised with the unmistakable bearing of command, disciplined, regal, and dangerously calm. Yet instead of speaking with pride or challenge, he clasped his hands and bowed deeply.
