Aria felt her legs trembling beneath her, an involuntary shiver running down her spine as she willed them to stay upright. The only reason she hadn't already collapsed to her knees was the sheer weight of shock anchoring her in place.
It hadn't even been a full minute since Zyren had expelled what looked like his very life's blood onto the banquet floor, and yet, right before her eyes, the terrifying truth settled in—his moment of weakness was already fading.
Whatever agony had briefly clouded his gaze had now vanished, leaving no trace behind. His crimson eyes, once dimmed by torment, were clear again, sharp and unwavering. There was no sign of pain in them now.
And she wasn't the only one frozen by disbelief.
