I didn’t interrupt. I just stared.
He went on.
“I believe someone is manipulating the Varnari. And possibly the Sigil.Someone’s shifting loyalties behind the scenes. And I think they’ve infiltrated the Order.”
I folded my arms. “So this blood oath, it’s notjusta promise not to kill me. It’s for your protection too. You need this person found.”
“Yes,” he said. “But it works to your advantage as well.”
I arched a brow. “Because you think I value my life so much?”
He gave a faint, knowing smile. “Because you value the lives of yourfriends.We’ve been watching you. The bonds you’ve made with Thrall Squad are… commendable.”
His eyes glinted. “As is your relationship with Prince Rayne.”
I scoffed. “I bet youlovethat.”
His smile widened. “Only because I know Remyhatesit. I haven’t forgotten histreachery.”
That simmered between us for a breath, but I said nothing.
Instead, I reached forward, took the blade from his hand, and turned it in mine.
The cut was shallow but clean. A thin line of blood welled across my palm.
Cyran did the same—silent, deliberate.
We clasped hands, blood mixing in the space between us, warm and binding.
“I give you my word,” he said, his voice steady. “I will never again order your life to be taken.”
I looked him in the eye.
“I accept.” There was nothing further to say and I turned and exited Cyran’s office before I said something I regretted.
The night air bit colder than I remembered as Solei and I emerged from the tunnels beneath The Crooked Claw. She didn’t speak as we walked, just a silent shadow at my side, eyes scanning the street like she expected a dagger behind every shutter.
When we reached the edge of the lower city, several cloaked figures paused in their steps as we passed. Their eyes dropped to my hand, the thin red line still visible across my palm.
They knew.
Theyallknew.
A blood oath with Cyran wasn’t just a contract, it was a seal. A brand. A warning.
Off-limits.
No longer a discarded daughter. No longer prey. I had more protection now than I’d ever had as one of the Order’s chosen. How deeplyironic.
Solei stopped just short of the castle gate and gave me a small nod. No farewell. No warmth.
Just acknowledgment.
That, in her world, was enough.
I entered the castle grounds alone.
The torches lining the path to the barracks flickered low, and the moon bathed the stone walls in pale silver. Everything was still.
