“You don’t compel me through the bond,” I said, voice measured. “Why?”
Kaelith’s eyes lifted to meet mine. Something flickered there. “Because I shouldn't need to,” he said. “You’re loyal to Nyxarra. Aren’t you?”
“I’m loyal to the realm,” I answered slowly.
Kaelith smiled. Not quite malice. Not quite mercy. “Do you remember,” he said after a beat, “when we were boys?”
I said nothing, and he went on. “You followed me everywhere,” Kaelith said, stirring his cup. “Like a damn shadow. And when I was too proud to fight someone—what was his name? Maren?—you took care of it.”
“I remember,” I said quietly. “You hit me afterward.”
He gave a low, amused sound. “I did. Had to make sure you knew I didn’t need anyone.”
“I was the stronger one,” he added after a beat, lifting hisdrink to his lips. “I always have been.” There was no challenge in it—just the kind of lie you tell yourself so often it becomes truth.
I didn’t answer. Because we both knew better.
Kaelith set the cup down, eyes on the carved rim. “If there is a village, Malachi… see to it. Root to stone. Let nothing linger.”
My jaw tensed. “And if there are survivors?”
His gaze didn’t waver. “Then you’ll do what must be done to protect us.”
The wordprotectsat between us. He didn’t mean shielding the realm. He meant erasing anything that didn’t serve him.
I turned before I said something I’d regret. Because if there was a village—if something had survived all this time, hidden and untouched—it meant the old world still breathed. And if it still breathed…
Then I had a choice to make.
I moved swiftly, quietly, letting habit carry me toward the antechamber where the others had gathered.
I found Lysara near the garden arch, staring out over the mist-veiled courtyard. Half of her crimson hair was braided back today, the rest left loose. She looked like she hadn’t slept, and she didn’t say a word when I approached.
“We’re leaving within the hour,” I said quietly.
Lysara’s gaze flicked to me. “Your whispering means you have something to say, and you’re trying to make sure Aurelia doesn’t hear it.”
I didn’t deny it. I waited until a servant passed behind us, then leaned in closer, voice low. “Kaelith thinks there’s a village still standing. From the rebellion.”
Her eyes narrowed, lashes lowering. “One of ours?”
“Maybe. Or those who ran when it ended. He wants me to confirm it and… cleanse it. His words.”
She flinched. “And if they’reinnocent?”
“If there’s nothing there,” I said quietly, “we move on. He’ll never know the difference.”
“Gods.” Her hands balled at her sides. “You think it’s true?”
“He didn’t know about it before. Which means his father kept it from him. And if he kept it secret... it matters.”
Her jaw tightened, color rising in her cheeks.
“I want you with Aurelia while we’re gone,” I said. “She’s still recovering. But if anything happens, anything?—”
“I’ll protect her,” she said sharply. “But this—Malachi, if there’s even one child in that village?—”
“I know.” My voice came out rougher than I intended.