74 Aniyoh

Lucian conversed with her as they walked back to the inn to retrieve Caroline as if nothing had passed in the intervening time since she left to rescue Ender and Silas. His tone was as airy and flippant as ever, but Aniyoh could sense the tension behind his eyes and the way the older vampire carried his shoulders.

It was as if the weight of the world rested on them.

But he beamed on, remarking about the festival the night before and how uneventful their journey had been until arriving in the city. Aniyoh nodded along, distracted by the waves of fear and anger pouring off of Ender behind her. His emotion was so palpable it clouded almost everything around her. Aniyoh's heart broke for her friend and wondered if Ender would even be able to let Caroline go if that is what she chose.