As the charm glowed, a shadow flickered briefly in Alaric's eyes. His posture shifted. His breath came slower.
Eirene smiled. "You know this is the right thing. You must protect Lycanthria. Protect her, even if she doesn't understand."
The King blinked slowly. "Protect…her."
"Yes," Eirene whispered. "You will summon her. Question her. Demand the truth. She must not step beyond these walls again. Promise me that, my King."
"I…promise."
"Good," Eirene said softly, releasing the charm. The air in the room steadied again, though something behind his eyes remained different, darker.
Eirene moved closer to him. "You should wear this. I got this from the temple. It's a protective charm to ward off evil." She fastened the bracelet on his wrist. "Never take it off my king."
Alaric nodded. "I will summon Aveloria and have her questioned."
She curtsied. "I'll leave you to it. I only pray that you make the right decision, for all our sakes."
