Chapter 84 All Alone

• [ELARA]
• Magnus stays rooted in place, his eyes glued to the floor, his entire posture rigid as though he’s afraid to move. “You need to be present for the ritual,” he says, his voice strained and formal.
• I cross my arms over my chest, attempting to cover myself, but it’s more out of defiance than modesty as I narrow my eyes at him. “I know,” I answer, my tone sharper than I intend. “I was preparing for it before you barged in.”