Thump-thump-thump-thump.
Riley's heartbeat sounded like a marching band trying to drill through his ribs.
Slow-motion realization hit him square in the face. His eyes widened. His mouth went dry. Tunnel vision snapped into place as those golden eyes—half-lidded, faintly glowing, and entirely too amused—locked on him.
Kael, the golden lizard, the incoming executioner, looked for all the world like a man watching a play. The corner of his mouth twitched ever so slightly while Riley's knees threatened to buckle.
Yep.
Kill him now.
The tension snapped when one elf hissed, sharp and startled.
Because appearances could really be deceiving. Just because Kael looked casual, lazy, and amused didn't mean everyone else should be.
So the pressure was crushing.
Yes, pressure.
