The Flaming Star Codex

Lucian was already moving! With unnatural speed, he turned on his heal and went for the door. The space between them widening.

Kymil sprang after him, darting from one end of the room to the door. He shot across the hall faster than any guest could follow. The crowd just saw a flash of golden fur and heard a low snarl.

Ember reached back toward her love, her veiled face twisted in fear.
"Kymil!"

The doors slammed shut with a loud thud! The crowd gasped. Half the candles blew out as the chandeliers swayed.

Kymil struck the doors half a second later, claws skidding against the polish floor as his shoulder crashed into the wood.
The door stood firm.
Kymil struck the door again and again, but the door did not give.
A low growl came from Kymil as his eyes burned with fury.

The memory of Ember reaching out for him and screaming his name rang out in his mind.

Solan came up to him and gave a sad whimper. He rubbed against Kymil, trying to comfort him.

Behind them, the dark red roses lay scattered beside the abandoned handfasting cord.
The room was heavy with silence.