Veyra's scream echoed across the western district.
Along the battlements, the soldiers who had seen Torvek fall froze. Only a moment ago, they had been cheering for the death of the Redfin Serpent. Now the cheers died in their throats, and one soldier's spear slipped from his fingers and clattered against the stone.
On the western docks, Seraya had just raised her jade shield against a beast when she saw it happen. Her face turned pale, and her four silver crescents faltered in the air before she forced them back into motion.
Above the western shelters, the golden net of coins trembled. Zarven stared at the southern battlements from his white jade disc, and the runes in his square black ring shifted faster than ever.
On a high terrace in the middle of the burning city, Maelis's jade fan stopped halfway through a gesture. Her violet eyes widened, and the officer waiting for her next order turned to see what she was looking at.
