The glow from the token in Elowen's hand deepened until the jade light spilled over the courtyard table, and both their faces were painted green and silver.
The torches along the walls still burned, but for a moment even fire seemed to draw back, as if it knew what had just been brought into the open.
The wards carved into the stone shivered faintly, their hum deepening until the sound felt like strings being plucked just beyond hearing.
Lilith leaned back in her chair, her crimson eyes fixed on the token. Her nails tapped once against the armrest before falling still.
Her smile looked amused on the surface but sharp underneath, as if every word she said carried two edges.
"Always so ceremonial," she murmured, her tone light but carrying a teasing bite. "You elves and your tokens. My illusions don't need trinkets."
