Wishful thinking

Calla's POV

Confusion. Surprise. Realization. Then anger. Hot, intense burning rage behind his red eyes that were set aflame. 

These were how Nightshade's expressions had transitioned before a pair of firm hands whisked me away from the scaffold. 

Before that, I saw that only a few of the rubbles and dusts from the explosion had reached the stage. Specks and bits littering on the floorboard, some on the courtiers' fancy feather hats and elegant suits. 

I realized that my feet had parted from the ground, an arm wrapped tightly around my waist. The ground getting farther and farther now, the cold winter air ruffling my hair. Yet my gaze was still glued below.

Mist shrouded the view. And as it slowly parted, the scene revealed a huge curved wall made of shadows. It shielded the people from the blast. Well, some of them. Mostly the courtiers who were left without a scratch.