[Zeph's POV]

The drive back to Emberwood was a practice in profound silence. It was a heavy silence, one so deep that it felt alive. Like it was a living breathing thing that filled the car, and left no room for air.

This silence spoke of a broken trust that left a huge gap between Master Alaric and myself.

Lyra, who was now a silent passenger in the backseat, was still unconscious from the aftermath of Master Alaric’s sudden ferocity. The only sound beside the silence was the soft whir of ...