Dropping Like Flies

Shalia's mouth fell slightly when she heard the messenger's words. Shadows flickered across their faces from the fire, the brazier crackling and hissing. Moonlight poured onto them like a spotlight.
Her eyes quickly searched the faces of the two priests, plagued by a not-so-subtle look of anger and horror. She briefly turned to acknowledge the Ascendant's reaction. Now, Shalia was fighting to keep her cool at this slow-burning chaos.

A few seconds of silence hung still. She began to chuckle quietly, unexpectedly, crossing her arms and leaning back in the chair. It clearly didn’t carry the air of being entertained. "For fuck's sake…" She grumbled and swallowed down the rest of the alcohol from one goblet.

Maybe she should have drank more wine. Wished for something stronger to forget about this growing headache-- the one unraveling before her and the one beating against her brain now.

She inhaled sharply and looked up, directing her gaze at the messenger who finally caught his breath. As she spoke her eyes shifted to Amastan and Agizul if by chance he knew little more than her sudden death. Her tone was impatient, demanding. "Was she not under any supervision? Given a guard at least in these circumstances? How did this one die?"