(Chase POV )
I knocked on the door.
"Come in," I heard her say. Her voice was hollow. Empty.
Something was wrong. I could tell even before I took a step inside.
I pushed the door open and wheeled myself inside the receiving room.
Tilly was standing by the window, staring out at the celebration below.
The new dragon riders were parading through the courtyard. I could hear the cheering from here. The music. The joy.
Why wasn't she with them?
She was holding a small vial. Drinking from it constantly like her life depended on it. I could smell it from here. It was awful.
"Matilda, about marking you earlier...I didn't know it would hurt like that—"
A small smile touched her lips "Don't you think Electra looks especially breathtaking in her rider's pin?"
I paused. She sounded different too.
"Matilda, are you alright, my dear?"
