The moment they stepped out of the dungeon, the air changed. It was subtle at first. A pressure that pressed against the skin as though the palace itself had drawn a slow, uneasy breath.

The torches lining the stone corridor flickered violently, their flames bending inward instead of dancing upward. Shadows stretched too long, clinging to the walls like living things.

Althea stumbled, her knees nearly giving out. Gavriel was instantly at her side, steadying her with a firm hand. Zander moved ...