VELIN

I paced the length of my chamber, the hem of my brown gown dragging like a shadow behind me, barely whispering on the polished marble. My heartbeat thudded loud enough that it echoed in my ears.

How? How did that useless maid get caught? I told her to disappear. I told her no one must catch her. Why didn’t she listen?

A low growl slipped from my throat as anger twisted through me. I swept my arm across the table, sending every vase, scroll, and trinket crashing to the floor. Glass ...