For a fraction of a second after the last drop of amethyst liquid disappeared down his throat, the entire room seemed to hold its breath. The thundering footsteps of the guards suddenly burst into the chamber, and rough hands grabbed my shoulders, violently yanking me away from Xander's bound form.
"Get her off him! Restrain her!" the man roared, his voice trembling with a mix of fury and genuine panic.
I didn't even fight them. My uninjured hand fell limply to my side, while my broken, throbbing wrist sent waves of agony screaming up my arm. I collapsed onto the cold floorboards, held down by the heavy grip of the guards, but my eyes never left the bed.
Please work, I prayed desperately, my chest heaving as hot tears continued to track through the dust on my face. Neisa, please let your alchemy be as perfect as you promised.
