My breath catches. “You—what?”
“You attacked Kaia,” Malrik says calmly. “You were imprisoned. Alenya Virath visited you in that cell—I know what she offered you. I know you escaped. I know you went back to them.”
The words hit like stones.
“And yet you’re here,” Malrik continues. “So I need to know why.”
I open my mouth to speak, but then I seeher.
Kaia.
Walking with Revna on the far side of the square. Her shadows move with her like a quiet escort. People notice her immediately—and why wouldn’t they? Even still healing, she’s breathtaking.
My chest tightens.
I force myself to look away. Focus on Malrik.
It doesn’t work.
She glances over.
Our eyes meet for half a second.
There’s something in her gaze—soft, unguarded. Almost like…
No.
I look away quickly, heart hammering.
I’m imagining it. I have to be.
Malrik glances between us. Says nothing. But I know he noticed.
A little boy approaches her. I can’t hear what he says, but I see her hesitate. Glance at Revna.
And then her wings flare.
Light and shadow ripple softly behind her—just the edges at first, tentative.
I saw them once before. In the arena. When I attacked her.
But I didn’t see them. Not really. Not like this.
The village stops. Stares.
And then she lets them sprawl out fully.
Massive. Breathtaking. Hers.
And I—
I can’t breathe.
Something in my chest pulls—sharp, involuntary, undeniable.
My shadows writhe as light magic flickers beneath my skin in response.
Kaia’s wings fold back. She waves to the boy, smiling, and she and Revna start walking again—toward the far edge of the village.
