I wanted to melt into the cracked stone floor, but before anyone could tear me to pieces for my big mouth, the doors creaked open and a shadow filled the hall.

And then out of nowhere, Rowan walked in.

Oh, fuck me sideways.

He didn't stride so much as stalk, and he had a kind of strong presence that filled the room without him even having to raise his voice. 

He wore a simple tunic with a crimson cloak across his shoulders that showed his authority, and the faint scars along his cheek ...