Anthierin lay completely paralyzed beneath his crushing weight. The shattered glass from the window glittered across the rug around them.
"Something's wrong with me, Rin!" Lexel growled again, his voice cracking with sheer, desperate agony.
His broad, bare chest heaved against hers, radiating a terrifying, unnatural heat that felt like an open furnace. He was trembling violently, his massive fingers digging into the plush carpet on either side of her head, entirely to keep himself from tearing into her like a starving beast.
Anthierin's initial panic suddenly shattered, replaced by a sharp, horrifying realization. The sudden bout of dizziness in the ballroom. The crystal goblet of vintage wine Mera had so graciously offered him right after the fight.
"That aristocratic bitch," Anthierin breathed, her eyes widening. "She poisoned you."
Lexel squeezed his glowing, feral eyes shut, a low, agonizing groan rumbling deep in his chest. "Burning... my blood is boiling..."
