Nithalee's aura sent tremors coursing through my body. My legs nearly buckled beneath my weight, and my tail swished audibly in the tense silence, louder even than the pounding of my heart. Still, I held her gaze, gripping my skirt to keep my hands from shaking.
She glared at me for what felt like an eternity, but just as black began to creep into my vision, the pressure vanished. Nithalee's lips curved in a small smile, and I sagged like a puppet with its strings cut, gasping for breath.
"Your fear tells me you did not come here ignorantly. You knew the risks, what I am capable of. I could shatter your soul with a thought or hand you over to the inquisitors. As the demons advance, morale is low all around the world. I'm sure hearing you sing would lift spirits."
