Even through Elodie’s neutral translation, the barb landed. Alaric’s smile thinned.
“Solitude can be dangerous,” he said softly. “A man alone has no one to watch his back. No one to call for aid when trouble comes. Anything might happen to a man alone.”
The threat was barely veiled. Elodie saw Gareth’s hands tighten on the arms of his chair, saw Sir Miles shift his weight onto his forward foot.
But Gareth’s response, when it came, was controlled.I am not alone. I have loyal men, my sword, and I have a long memory.
Elodie wanted to throw her wine in Alaric’s face as she translated.
“Yes.” Alaric set down his wine goblet with a soft click. “I’ve heard you’ve developed quite a reputation. The Silent Reaper. Fearsome. Merciless. The kind of man who makes enemies disappear without a trace.” He tilted his head, considering. “Strange, isn’t it? Before your... accident... you were known for honor. Chivalry. Now you’re known for silence and death. One might almost think you’d become a different person entirely.”
People change.
“They do indeed.” Alaric rose from his chair, smoothing his tunic. “Well. This has been illuminating. I thank you for your hospitality, such as it is.” He paused at the door, looking back. “I’ll leave you with something to consider. The king is off on his little crusade. His attention is... elsewhere. The affairs of the northern marches are beneath his notice. In such circumstances, neighbors must find ways to resolve their differences without involving the Crown.”
Is that a threat?
“An observation.” Alaric’s smile returned, colder than before. “I’ve always found observations more useful than threats. Threats can be traced. Observations are merely... weather. And the weather in these parts can change very quickly.”
He swept from the solar, his men falling into step behind him.
The courtyard was silent as Alaric mounted his horse. His men formed up around him with military precision. The whole castle seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the visitors to leave.
Alaric settled into his saddle and looked down at where Gareth stood at the base of the keep’s steps. His expression was pleasant, almost genial.
“It was good to see you again, old friend. We should do this more often.” His eyes found Elodie, standing slightly behindGareth’s shoulder. “And such a pleasure to meet your... lady. What a curious woman you’ve acquired.”
Gareth’s hand moved to his sword hilt.
Alaric laughed. “Peace, peace. I mean no offense.” But his voice dropped, the charm falling away to reveal something harder beneath. “Though I wonder—does she know what kind of man you are? How many men you’ve killed? Does she know you’d have cut my throat at Edgemont if you’d had the chance?”
The silence stretched, dangerous and brittle.
Then Elodie stepped forward. She didn’t know where the courage came from—the same place, perhaps, that had made her publish the Fae Paper despite knowing the consequences.
“He doesn’t need to speak to make himself understood,” she said clearly. “And he doesn’t need to threaten. His reputation does that for him.”
Alaric’s eyes sharpened, surprised and something else—intrigued, perhaps, or calculating.
“Ah. The little faerie has claws.” His smile returned, but there was no warmth in it now. “How delightful. Do take care of her, Gareth. Pets can wander into such trouble when their masters aren’t watching.”
He wheeled his horse and rode for the gate without looking back. His men followed, and within moments, the party had vanished beyond the walls.
The courtyard erupted into motion—men standing down, servants resuming their duties, the whole castle exhaling a collective breath.
But Elodie stood frozen, watching the empty gate, Alaric’s parting words echoing in her mind.
Take care of her. Pets can wander into such trouble.
She felt Gareth’s presence behind her before he touched her shoulder. When she turned, his face was pale with fury—and beneath the fury, something that looked like fear.
You should not have spoken to him,he signed rapidly.He is dangerous.
I’m not a damsel in distress, she signed back.I won’t stand silent while someone threatens you.
His jaw tightened. For a moment, she thought he might argue. Then something shifted in his expression—anger giving way to something more complicated.
He noticed you,he signed.Before, you were a curiosity. A piece of gossip. Now he sees you as leverage.
