Chapter 102. Bloody Trails

Magnus

I squeezed Astrid's fingers in reassurance as she took a deep breath outside the audience chamber.

“Let me know when you are ready to go in,” I whispered, and she looked up at me, her eyes shining with an emotion that spiked my protective instincts even more.

“It’s alright,” I whispered again, raising her hand to my lips. She let out a shaky sigh as I kissed her fingers, then placed a hand on top of hers.

“Let’s do this.” She whispered with a nod before reaching out to push open the door.

The deep, golden rays of the setting sun illuminated the room as we walked in, and I slowly took in the presence of everyone who needed to be there: Cayon, Lana, Astrid's parents, and her sister.

“Lexington,” I greeted loudly as we came to a stop in front of him.

“Magnus, welcome.” He pointed to the two empty seats at the table. “Please, sit.”

The awkwardness between him and Astrid was still very notable, and I didn’t stoke the