Max stepped inside, met my gaze. His power touched me, slid over me even as his eyes shifted to Belaisle and back again.

"Sydlynn," he said. "We have visitors." He didn't sound happy.

Belaisle's chuckling followed me out while I struggled to breathe, just breathe.

"What is it?" Max turned me to face him, diamond eyes troubled.

"Nothing," I said, more sharply than I would ever have normally. "Who's ...