Chapter 59. Stone Heart

CYRUS

I feel my life seeping out of me. I grow weaker by the second, my head spinning like the wheels of a cart. Through my now bloodshot vision, I can see Kelsa throwing up violently, followed by the other Riverlanders. Some are holding their necks while coughing desperately, while others are already staggering and convulsing on their chairs.

The sound of clattering spoons and breaking ceramics follow as Alastair storms up to his feet visibly shaken by the turn of events. For some reason, my wife remains as still as the waters, an almost inconspicuous smile plastered on her face as she stares down at me while pain tears through my thorax.

Before long my longs start constructing and I begin to lose air. I gasp like someone who is drowning and my attempt to stand leads me to stagger and fall as a fiery anguish spreads on my thorax. Luckily, I fall into some waiting arms, the sense of comfort and a sweet scent I cannot name overshadowing me. I am slowly lowered onto