The rattle fell from my hand, clattering against the hardwood floor. I snatched Lysander to my chest, backing away from the object as if it might spring to life and strike.
"Get Alistair immediately," I ordered, my voice shaking. "Tell him it's an emergency."
Mariella nodded once and bolted from the room, her footsteps echoing down the hallway. I stood frozen, staring at the silver rattle that now seemed to gleam with malevolent intent. The tiny ruby eyes of the serpent caught the light, appearing to watch me.
"You're safe," I whispered to Lysander, bouncing him gently as he fussed against my shoulder. "I won't let anything hurt you."
The door burst open minutes later as Alistair rushed in, his usual composure replaced by alarm. "Your Grace? Mariella said there was an emergency with the young master."
"There," I pointed to the rattle on the floor. "Look at the handle. There's a serpent engraving with ruby eyes. Mariella says it's the sigil of the Night Weavers."
