My hand recoiled from the shard, and I backed away from Luke, holding it behind my back. My heart raced.
"L-Luke?" I took a deep breath. "You startled me."
He folded his arms, gazing at the runes as they dissipated into rainbow light. "You're supposed to be enjoying the banquet."
"I…didn't want to be there."
"Did someone hurt you?" he asked.
I shook my head. "No, it's just…"
"Too many people, huh?"
"Something like that."
The silence drew out, neither of us making eye contact. I fidgeted with my skirt, adjusting it over and over.
"Um, Luke…?"
My voice was soft and tentative, but he flinched as if I shouted.
"Yes?" he finally asked.
"I…no, it's nothing. I'm just…glad you're okay. I was so worried when you didn't come back."
A shudder ran down his tail. "Xiviyah, there's something I have to tell you."
Something in his voice caused me to look up. There was a shadow across his face and something in his eyes that chilled my blood. My tail started to twitch.
