A blast of invisible magma struck me head-on.
My knees hit the ground, heavily.
To my right, Lysara also fell, harder. She didn't move, her shoulders tense, her face contorted. Her body was trembling.
I felt her breathing shorten.
I looked up. The most dangerous moment was here.
The hard moment... I thought.
I forced my breath, kept my head down.
— Could you please have everyone leave this room... everyone you don't trust completely.
His gaze changed. Unyielding. Curious.
He scrutinized me. At length.
Then, in an authoritative, almost lazy murmur:
— Everyone out.
The four powerful figures, the guards, even the mages at the back of the hall... They all obeyed without question.
A single word, and the room was empty.
Silence became total. And the lava above us resumed its soft song.
He looked at me again.
— I'm listening, little vampire.
I forced my muscles. Slowly, I lifted my head. My breathing was still short, but my will held firm.
