The voice sounded strangely distant, a whisper that seemed to echo through the hollow chambers of Alyssane's mind. An uneasy feeling settled in her chest as she instinctively shifted her gaze to the hall's entrance, where a few belated guests had just arrived. Among them, only Duchess Serena stood out.
"That's strange," Alyssane murmured under her breath, barely loud enough for herself to hear. 'There's only one way I can know.'
The Queen, who had subconsciously followed Alyssane's gaze, hardened her expression. How could anyone be late to such an important event?
"The Duchess has been ill," Rhys replied quietly, his eyes barely lifting from his meal.
Mysaria's frown deepened. "I see."
Alyssane's thoughts churned. She had anticipated Rhys's answer, but now her focus shifted to a more troubling sense of dread. The voice in her head seemed to mock her, taunting her with its cryptic messages.
