AT THE SAME TIME
ISABELLA'S POINT OF VIEW:
The map still glowed faintly on the long table, its enchanted lines slowly twisting and shifting. We all stared at it in silence, some in awe, others in dread. My fingers curled tighter around Michael's. I could sense it from across the room: Xavier had gone completely still.
Then came the sound we didn't expect, not the system's chime this time, but Gregor's voice, stern and lined with worry.
"No."Gregor said.
The single word cut the air like a blade. All heads turned to the far end of the room, where Gregor Blackthorn, towering and proud, now had both arms crossed. Mirelda, beside him, wore the same look of iron concern. Even Lady Celindra had stiffened, her usual aloof poise tinged with something maternal. Xavier blinked.
"What?"He asked.
"You're not going out there again." Celindra said sharply. "You've already given more than enough. You just stabilized from carrying half the kingdom on your back again."She said.
