Phoebe's POV
The silence felt endless before I finally heard the chaos behind the door fade away. Someone knocked—Justin's familiar voice cutting through my fear.
"My queen, are you inside? Everything's safe now. You can come out." He knocked again, more urgent. "Should I break down the door? Are you okay?"
I knocked back from inside, letting him know I heard him. My hands shook as I took a few seconds to pull myself together, then forced myself to stand.
My heart hammered against my ribs as I opened the door. The metallic stench of blood hit me like a wall.
"Everything's handled now. I'll take you back to your room so you can rest." Justin's tone told me what he really meant—I couldn't stay here.
I glanced around, desperate to find Samuel, but Justin's hand covered my eyes.
"Keep them closed, my queen."
Where is Samuel? I mouthed the words, unable to stop myself from asking.
