The silence of the Aldenar estate in the Capital was not that peaceful per usual. Verona sat huddled in her chamber, the fine moonlight-blue silk of her boutique gown replaced by a heavy robe of quilted wool. Despite the warmth of the hearth, a chill had settled into her marrow that no fire could reach. On the small mahogany table before her sat the mirror.
She had been trying to contact Liera for over three hours.
"Liera, please," Verona whispered, her voice cracking. "Just a vibration. Just a flicker. Tell me you're there."
She called her name so many times and tapped on the mirror, but nothing happened. There was no response at all.
Usually, even if Liera couldn't speak, Verona could feel a sensation like a distant hum, a proof of life on the other end. Now, there was nothing. It was like reaching out into a dark room and finding that the floor, the walls, and the ceiling had all vanished. There was only a terrifying, infinite void.
