Azrayel did not let her walk with her ladies.
The moment they left the great hall he took her arm. His grip was firm. Metheea felt the heat of his hand through her sleeve. It burned too warm. She glanced back at Kalistra. Her head maid looked at her with uncertain eyes. Metheea gave a small wave to send her off. Kalistra bowed and stayed behind with the others.
Azrayel's jaw stayed tight the whole way. She could feel his mana pressing all around her. It wrapped around her skin like invisible flames. Something was wrong with him.
The walk from the arena to Azrayel's office was long. His fingers stayed locked around her upper arm the entire way, grip tight enough that she could feel the pressure through her sleeve. He didn't look at her. Didn't slow down. His jaw stayed clenched so hard the muscle in his cheek kept twitching.
