Beneath broken stone and warped metal, a solitary raven panics as it senses imminent danger. It escapes certain death mere seconds before the structure finally crashes to the ground. On soaring above the devastation, the bird spies a wet-eyed woman...
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Anduin glanced over his shoulder. "Ah, you have not officially met, of course, forgive me."
He gestured towards the recess, beckoning whoever stood in the shadows to make themselves known.
A swarthy-skinned individual came into the light. He was a young man just a few years older than Anduin.
He had a handsome face, set with high cheekbones and an angular jaw sporting a goatee. Long black hair brushed his shoulders.
It was clear he was not of our people. 'Foreign' did not quite hit the mark either, but I had a good inkling who this individual was, based on reports Anduin had made from his time in Pandaria.
Dressed in attire which could only be indicative of nobility, the man moved forward, his strides oozing confidence as he came to a stop next to Anduin. I chanced a sideways glance at Sarah. She looked almost hypnotised by this new individual.
"This is Wrathion, The Black Prince as he is known, and a good friend of mine," Anduin introduced him.
I offered the young man a customary bow; he inclined his head in response. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance," I said. "I have heard much about you from Prince Anduin."
"Hmm," Wrathion responded. "All good, I do hope."
"Indeed," I answered.
Anduin informed his friend who we were and after quietly confirming with me, introduced Illidan and Arcaena also. The Black Prince looked at each of us in turn, but his eyes favoured Sarah.
I may have imagined it, but I could have sworn I saw a hint of a glow from beneath her blouse. Her Demon Hunter markings often flared when her emotions altered. She was still staring at the young man, her expression difficult to read.
He offered his hand; slender fingers, with long, well-manicured nails, boasted exquisite jewelled rings.
I watched as Sarah accepted. He raised her hand to his mouth, pausing long enough to smile. Then he brushed his lips across her knuckles.
"Charmed," he said. He released her hand, but not her gaze. A few excruciating moments passed before Sarah, with a small shake of her head, lowered her eyes, but remained silent.
"We shall have more time for pleasantries later," Varian intervened. "For now, I think it would be wise for us to return to the Keep, Khadgar. As you say, we need to talk."
I was oddly relieved as I found myself trying to come to terms with what had just passed between Sarah and Wrathion.
Varian ordered an escort. I suggested Modera and my other colleagues also attend, to which Varian agreed. They inched forward to join us at which point Wrathion expressed an interest.
"Ah," he said, eyes locked on Kalecgos. "I am most surprised to see your breed here."
Kalecgos stiffened. "My breed, as you call it, is no more a part of me."
