“Lord Caelan Vireaux,” he says, smiling without warmth. “Her betrothed.”
A palpable beat of silence filled the air.
Draven turned to Astraia.
She did not flinch, but her fingers twitched on the bedpost. “Was. Was my betrothed,” she snapped, looking first at Draven then at Caelan.
Draven sat up straighter than he should, shoulders tense, voice lower. “I see.”
“You’re not the only one who gets to have secrets.” Astraia sauntered over to the chair and plopped into the cushions, crossing one leg. “I saved your life. He housed you. That’s all that matters.”
Caelan stared her down, voice stern. “We need to talk. Later. Alone.”
“Don’t let me keep you,” Draven interjected flatly.
Astraia reclined further into the chair, settling both her arms on the armrests. “I’m not one of your cabinet members, Caelan, so whatever you need to say, just spit it out. I don’t have the time or patience for politics.”
Caelan stepped closer toward her. ”You’ve chosen a hell of a time to resurface, Traia.”
Astraia leaned forward in her chair, seething. “I’m sorry for the inconvenience of my blood spilling.”
Caelan huffed and rolled his eyes, pulling another chair in front of Astraia and sitting on its edge, mere inches from her. “Traia, listen. There have been attacks. Quiet ones. We’re calling them shadows, but they’re wraiths. No one will say it, but I know.”
Astraia cocked an eyebrow at him. “Are you sure? I was certain it was just an angry bear that attacked me in the village outsideyourcity.”
Draven stifled a chuckle.
Caelan’s eyes widened. “What? What do you mean you saw one near Volpes?”
“Saw, fought, nearly died in the process. But we managed to destroy him. The villagers survived, but the town did not.” Astraia’s hands remained resting on the chair, her face indifferent.
“We?” Caelan’s eyebrow rose as he peered at her then at Draven.
“I just said a wraith, a steward of death itself, nearly killed an entire village and forced me to near burnout, and all you’re concerned about is thathecame to my aid?” Astraia’s hands gripped the arm rests, anger boiling beneath her skin. She made little effort to hide her irritation as she narrowed her eyes. “Perhaps, my dear Lord Vireaux, the more critical issue is that wraiths are breaching your borders and attacking your people without cause. So instead of flexing your manhood in an effort to assert your authority, you should direct that energy to discovering why the wraiths have resurfaced and how.”
Draven coughed, trying desperately to cover his laugh.
Caelan scowled at Astraia for a moment, then a small smile spread across his face. “Charming as ever, Traia.”
Despite her vexation with the nobleman, she smirked back. “You always brought out my best qualities.”
Caelan’s face hardened, and his tone became sterner—a captain’s voice. “This is serious.” He looked directly at her as he spoke, a hint of fear in his eyes. “The king has a bounty out for Starborne.”
“Yes, I am quite aware,” she snapped. “Why do you think I’m here, Caelan? I’ve been on the run for days. The oh-so-benevolent king’s declaration has the entire realm hunting Starborne so they can pad their pockets with solas.” She stood, voice low, eyeing the nobleman. “And before you scold me—remember this is not justmyproblem. It involves you, your court, and your people.”
Caelan’s eyes narrowed at her, his mouth set in a thin line of determination. “Kings or demons, I will always protect the people of Virellia.”
“Fine. What are you asking then?” she said, annoyance lacing her tone.
A familiar smile graced Caelan’s face as he took her hand in his. “I need a hunter.”
Chapter 22
Anger and jealousy twisted the mind of Dominion. Once charged as a carrier of the dead to Solrend, the Star sought a higher purpose, to overtake Balance and sow chaos.
The Rise of Dominion
“YOU SAID YOU BURNED YOUR past to the ground. Seems a few embers still glow.” Draven spoke coolly, breaking the silence that had blanketed the room after Caelan left minutes before.
