Lucas stood where he was, one hand braced against the cracked pillar, blood trailing from the corner of his mouth and down his jaw. His breathing was uneven, though his usual sharp composure had not completely abandoned him.
Kaelvryn stood rigid, his gaze lowered slightly, his chest rising and falling in slow, controlled breaths as if he were forcing himself back into order piece by piece.
The air no longer felt suffocating, but the echo of what had just happened lingered in the room like a shadow that refused to leave.
Valen took a step forward, "Your Majesty."
He did not dare take a glance at her, "I am fine." The words were swift and immediate almost like he was pushing her away.
Valen's expression hardened slightly, "I know you're not fine, stop being stubborn."
Kaelvryn's jaw tightened, "I said I am fine."
"I said no," the firmness in her voice made him finally look up, finally their eyes met, "you are not fine."
