MALAKAI

“Bring Talia back," I said, my voice dropping to a low, quiet tone that made the captain of the guard instantly straighten. “Bring her back to this hall this minute. If she refuses, drag her here forcefully. A child's life is at stake."

The scout scrambled out of the side doors, shouting orders to his men. 

While we waited, the tension in the room grew suffocating. Clarabel didn't say a word, but her fury was vibrant. 

She paced the length of the stone floor like a caged animal trying to break through iron bars. Every second that passed without her son made her shoulders tighter, her hands clenching and...