The maid looked up at me, eyes wide with panic.
"She's… she's—"
"Speak up," I said sharply.
The maid swallowed hard, her hands trembling. "Lady Lirael has stopped breathing."
For a moment the words did not register.
Then they did.
I was already on my feet before I realized I had moved. Elias moved at the same time.
"Take us to her," he said immediately.
The maid nodded frantically and turned, nearly tripping over her own feet as she rushed back into the corridor. We followed.
The walk felt far too long.
My heartbeat echoed in my ears with every step against the polished floors.
Nero spoke quietly in my mind.
[Host… please tell me she is not dead.]
I did not answer.
[She can't be dead, we have yet to uncover why tou feel so close to her or why she was shocked and relieved to see Elias.]
When we reached Lirael's chambers, the door was already open. I crossed the room in seconds.
Lirael lay on the bed.
Still and pale.
I bent beside her.
Her chest did not rise.
