But he wasn’t looking at his wound. He was looking at Vyr.
“Why do you think she contacted you after all these years?” Each word cost him. “The whispers that they were calling you the Elk King in the North. She needed your help. But she also feared you gaining too much power.”
Vyr’s expression hardened.
“You plotted against us.” Cailean stalked forward, Roth and Bree at his sides. “You fucker.”
Skaal moved with them, a growl vibrating in her chest.
Vyr and the Ravens flanking him raised their blades and dropped into fighting stances.
“Stop.” Lara’s voice cracked through the cold air. “All of you.”
Cailean froze. A muscle jumped in his cheek. “But—”
“Listen to her.” Alar was on his feet. Gods knew how—he had a dagger jutting from his shoulder, cuts covering his arms, and his hand still dripped blood—but he was standing. At her side.
Lara’s heart kicked hard against her ribs.
The man was in a state, yet his first thought was for her.
She loved him. And he loved her. No declarations were needed, yet the truth of it hit like a fist to the chest. Mor had known, had used it.
Lara forced herself to breathe as she turned to Vyr.
“You went along with it. Betrayed us.” Her voice stayed level. Barely. “I won’t forget that. But you stood against her at the end.”
Vyr stared back. He didn’t try to justify himself. A wise move.
Lara took a step toward him. Alar shadowed her.
“Go.” The word came out sharp. “But when you take her throne, when you tell them what happened here … tell the truth.”
Vyr’s throat worked. “You don’t want blood?”
“I want cooperation.” The words tasted strange. “Next time we meet, you negotiate with me. Do I have your word?”
His black eyes narrowed.
“We did this.” Lara gestured at the sealed rift. “It nearly broke us all. Let it count for something.”
Silence stretched. Then Vyr swallowed. Hard. “You have my word, Lara,” he said, a hoarse edge to his voice. “Next time … we talk.”
She nodded before glancing at Cailean. His tattoos still pulsed. His body still coiled tight, ready to spring. Only respect for her kept him leashed. How long would that last?
“Go,” she said to Vyr again. “Before I change my mind.”
Mor’s cousin inclined his head. His gaze swept over them before he looked at Fern, still cradling her dying father. “Are you coming?”
“No.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. “I’ll see you in Cannich.”
He nodded before gesturing to the Ravens. They backed away, melting into darkness beyond the stones.
Lara watched until they vanished. Her stomach churned. People broke promises all the time. Would Vyr?
Maybe. Maybe not.
But at least no one else would die tonight.
