Aster’s nostrils flared. “She is my responsibility!”
“And yet, she was taken.” Theron’s eyes flashed. “AndIwas the one who brought her back.”
The words landed like a blow.
Aster stiffened, guilt cracking through his anger, and I felt it, even through the haze.
“Stop,” I said suddenly, stepping forward, swaying slightly as I tried to put myself between them. “Don’t fight, please.”
Theron’s hand caught my waist, immediately steadying me.
Aster’s hand reached for me too, then stopped, uncertain. I looked up at Theron, pouting.
“You were meant to be my friend,” I accused.
His gaze softened, just slightly.
“I was truthful.”
“You were mean, truthful,” I corrected.
Aster let out a humorless sound, like a laugh grown from disbelief and threat.
“If you touch her,” he began, voice dropping, dangerous, “If you take advantage of this…”
Theron’s expression turned cold. The warmth vanished, replaced by something almost dangerous. Something that reminded me too clearly of what he had done in the woods, the ease of it, the brutality contained behind precision.
“I do not know what kind of rulers you have served,” he said quietly, every word precise,
“But do not place your filth upon my name. I would never take what is not freely given.”
Aster held his gaze, jaw clenched, then swallowed.
Theron stepped closer.
“Never question my honor again,”he said, and it wasn’t a threat so much as a law. Aster’s shoulders rose with a breath, then dropped, fury strangled by shame.
“Fine!” he snapped at last. “But if she comes to harm in your care…”
“She won’t,” Theron said simply.
Aster’s gaze flicked to me then, and the fear in it made my chest ache.
“I’m sorry,”I whispered again. Aster’s expression broke, softening despite himself.
“You didn’t mean any of this, it is not your fault Alex.”
“Yes, I did,” I admitted solemnly. “I mean, I didn’t mean to get kidnapped. But I did mean to find Atlas.” Aster’s eyes closed briefly, pain tightening his face. Theron’s hand tightened at my waist.
“Go, I need to get her settled so she can rest,” Theron said to Aster, voice calm again. Aster’s jaw clenched.
“I’m not leaving her.”
“You are,”Theron replied, and it was said with such certainty that Aster looked like he wanted to argue, then realized there was nowhere for the argument to land.
Aster turned sharply, storming toward the tent flap without another word. I lunged forward, reaching for him.
“Aster, I’m sorry…” I called, voice wobbling. “You need a hug.”
