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No, not eased, Elide realized as Rowan rose
to his feet and stalked behind the queen. But
contained, turned inward. Tremors rippled
through Aelin’s tense body, but she kept still
as Rowan examined the lock.
Yet something like shock, then horror and
sorrow, flashed over his face, as he surveyed
her back. It was gone as soon as it appeared.
A glance, and Gavriel and Lorcan drifted to
his side, their steps slow. Unthreatening.
Across the small clearing, Fenrys remained
out, his white coat soaked with blood.
Elide only walked to Aelin and took up the
spot where Rowan had been.
The queen’s eyes were closed, as if it took
all her concentration to remain still for
another heartbeat, to allow them to look, to
not claw at the irons.
So Elide said nothing, demanded nothing
from her, save for a companion if she needed