Aurelia's castle was steeped in a heavy silence, the kind that settled over a place after a calamity had passed but before anyone dared to breathe again. I stood in one of the grand hallways, watching as the hurried servants darted to and fro, their faces tight with worry.
It had only been a few minutes since Aurelia had returned with Lydia, the latter slumped unconscious in Aurelia's arms. The sight of Lydia, usually so vibrant and full of life, now pale and still, gnawed at my insides.
I wanted to go to Aurelia, to offer my support and find out exactly what had happened, but before I could take a step, Jade appeared at my side. Her grip on my arm was firm, almost possessive.
"Aurelia asked us to go to Zeke's castle and kill the demon who knew that Zeke had kidnapped Lydia," she said, her voice as cold and sharp as a winter's night.
