Violet's heart hammered in her chest.
In all her years of living, this kind of tension had always been reserved for bad news. Her instincts had never failed her before.
And right now they were screaming.
The queen spoke slowly. "Trust me, daughter, I never intended to burden you with this. I would have found a solution on my own, but there's no more time."
"No more time for what?" Violet's voice shook.
She knew it. She felt it deep in her bones that something was terribly wrong. But she refused to accept it.
Seraphira held her gaze.
"I'm dying, Violet."
For a moment, Violet didn't speak. It was as if her tongue had suddenly turned to stone.
Her body felt strange. Heavy. Her head swam with confusion. She felt like she should sit… or stand… or do something, anything, but her limbs refused to cooperate.
The words simply echoed in her head.
I'm dying.
Then, before she knew it, tears filled her eyes.
"No," she croaked.
She was supposed to be brave. Strong.
