A heavy ring of metal echoed through the chamber as Malaki produced a ring of heavy iron keys, stepping toward the dungeon gate.
I hesitated, pulling Elara back half a step. In the flickering torchlight, his piercing green eyes looked incredibly suspicious. There was a calculation behind them that I didn't trust. But before I could speak, Malaki's gaze shifted past me, landing squarely on my companion.
A slow, knowing smile touched his lips. "We meet again, princess."
To my utter surprise, Elara's cheeks flushed a deep, sudden crimson. She quickly looked away, avoiding his eyes entirely.
My suspicion flared into protective anger. Step by step, I forced myself to stand between them, leveling my blade at him despite the tremor in my arms. "If you're tricking us," I threatened, my voice cold, "we'll kill you."
