A sudden grimace twisted Elurean's face, sharp and startling. His brows drew together tightly, and his jaw clenched, like something invisible had just pierced through his ribs. A low moan escaped him, not loud, but raw, and heavy with undeniable pain.
Velmira sat upright, her body no longer resting against the throne's back. Her eyes narrowed with alarm, though her lips didn't move.
Beside her, Thaleon tensed, hands gripping the arms of his chair. Is he being attacked? he thought. Is Artemis resisting him from wherever she is?
Then Elurean's eyes flew open — the brilliant glow gone in a blink, like someone had snuffed out a flame. He gasped, staggering slightly where he stood, breath ragged and shallow, as if the act of finding truth had nearly undone him.
Thaleon's gaze followed him, alarmed, lips parting to ask — but it was not in his place to.
Elurean looked up slowly, unsteady, meeting Velmira's eyes with a haunted stare. He shook his head.
