She's gone before I can respond, Elçin following like a protective shadow. The war council continues around me—voices discussing supply lines and defensive positions—but all I can focus on is the echo of her fear and the way Yasar watches her leave with an expression I can't read.
"Perhaps," Yasar suggests after a moment, "we should adjourn. Post-battle exhaustion affects judgment, and your wife seems... distressed."
"My wife's distress is none of your concern."
"Isn't it?" He stands with lazy grace. "We're family, Kaan. Her wellbeing affects the stability of the realm. And stability, as you've reminded us, is everything in war."
Before I can respond with the violence his presumption deserves, he bows and exits, heading in the opposite direction from where Nesilhan went.
But I felt it through the bond—the way her fear spiked the moment he stood, like prey sensing a predator's attention.
"That was interesting," Zoran observes once the room empties. "And by interesting, I mean deeply concerning."
"Find out where he really was today." My shadows writhe with dark promise. "I don't care how you do it."
"And if he was exactly where he claimed?"
"Then find out what he did there that has my wife terrified of him."
Zoran's expression sharpens. "You think he threatened her?"
"I think something happened while we were gone." I stare at the door where she vanished. "Something that has them both pretending the other doesn't exist while the air between them practically screams with tension."
"Could be attraction," Zoran suggests carefully. "He's handsome enough, if you like the refined type?—"
My shadows explode outward, slamming him against the wall before I consciously decide to move. "Finish that thought and I'll show you why Lord Taren calls me the Monster of Shadows."
"Right." Zoran doesn't struggle against my hold, smart enough to recognize murderous intent when he sees it. "Not attraction then. Definitely not an attraction. Probably something much more sinister and not at all related to your cousin being annoyingly handsome."
I release him, pulling my shadows back with effort. "Find Emir. Tell him what we discussed. I want answers."
"And where will you be?"
"Having a conversation with my wife."
"The wife who just made it clear she wants nothing to do with you?"
"That one, yes."
Zoran shakes his head. "Your masochism is impressive, even by shadow court standards."
But I'm already moving toward our chambers—or rather, the chambers she's claimed since making it clear my presence is unwelcome in what used to be our marriage bed.
I findher on the balcony, staring out at the city below where victory celebrations are beginning. Torches flicker to life as darkness falls, and somewhere in the distance, war drums still echo.
"Go away, Kaan."
"No."
She doesn't turn. "I could make you."
"You could try." I lean against the doorframe, maintaining distance she clearly needs. "But we both know your light magic has been unstable lately."
Her shoulders tense. "A temporary side effect of grief."
"Is it?" I study her rigid posture, the way her hands grip the balcony railing. "Or is it something else? Something that started, say, nine days ago when my cousin arrived?"
She spins to face me, golden eyes blazing. "Don't."
