But before I could return the gesture, Zarah slipped her hand from mine.
She lowered her head and hurried to the far side of the chamber.
Thok and Zhok watched her go, faces folded into the kind of confused expressions that only widened the silence.
"Continue with what you're doing," I said flatly, leaving no room for questions. They obeyed without hesitation, bowing before returning to their task
I turned away as well, but had barely taken a step when something at the edge of the shadows caught my eye.
My body tightened before my mind registered it and I almost jumped.
An ugly, hunched-back goblin stood there, half-hidden by the gloom.
Her frame was twisted, but her gaze was sharp and steady, full of a suspicion that didn't blink.
The silence stretched until it felt like pressure in my chest.
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
"What?" I asked, sharper than I meant to be.
