Daria's POV

Lucius did not breathe.

During one dreadful heartbeat the world was reduced to the silence of his chest and the icy terror that was tearing through mine. The shouts of the crowd were lost in a distant roar, as of water falling through the ears. The sob of Harriet was through it all.

"Mommy--he's gone!"

No, no, I said, rather sharply, and the panics were ripping at me. "He's not."

Guards came forward, screaming. "Move back!"

"Get the witch away from him!"

I put my hands on the breast of Lucius and leaned over. He was chilly-skinned, turned dark of lip. I could tell the poison was straight...