My shoulders sagged, and I exhaled the long breath I'd been holding. I glanced at Ember and Ellis, only to be hastily led out of the dark by workers I didn't recognize and through the tall entrance doors of the castle. We strolled along glossy stone floors that gave subtle reflections of our presence.
I looked to the soaring dome ceiling and admired the pretty artwork on the stained glass, but much too soon, I was being hastily guided down decorated halls past running children and busy workers. Ember was leaning heavily against Ellis, my brother's hand still present on the shorter man's waist like it was Ember's lifeline to remain standing.
