“That’s why she’s training you.”
“That’s why she’s trying.” Bitterness slipped out before I could stop it. “Today was breathing. Feeling the Veil without touching it. I couldn’t even manage that. I can’t access it unless I’m… fractured.”
“At least you can sometimes.”
I huffed a humorless laugh. “Barely.”
“Everything starts small.” He shifted, turning toward me more fully. “Consistency. Effort. That’s what builds skill. I wasn’t a natural assassin either.”
I looked at him skeptically.
“You survived torture meant to break you,” he continued quietly. “A ritual designed to burn you out. An explosion of power that should have killed you, and everyone near you.” His voice lowered. “You’re far stronger than you give yourself credit for, Seris.”
The words struck deeper than I expected.
“I’m afraid,” I admitted, blinking away the sudden heat in my eyes. “Of what I might become. Of losing control. I’m not used to having power. Or choice.”
“You’re not alone anymore.”
The certainty in his tone steadied something inside me.
“We’ll make sure you’re ready,” he continued. “And if you lose control, we’ll help you find your way back.”
I turned fully toward him then, and nearly forgot how to breathe.
“You think I’d let you face this alone?” His expression hardened with resolve. “The Devourer wants to use you. The King already tried. But you’re with us now. Anyone who tries again will have to get through Kane first.”
I laughed softly, imagining Kane’s massive frame and gentle smile.
“And if they somehow get past his axe, Zephyr’s arrows, and Kael’s blades…” His gaze darkened slightly. “My shadows won’t give them a second chance.”
You’re safe with us.
The words settled into me like something sacred.
All the fear I’d been carrying since my mother’s death didn’t vanish, but it loosened. Burned down to embers.
And from it, something new rose.
Trust.
Not the brittle alliance forged in survival. Not camaraderie born of necessity.
Something steadier. Warmer.
I felt safe with him.
The realization should have terrified me. The last time I trusted someone, I’d paid dearly for it.
But instead of panic, there was only warmth, solid and grounding. It spread through my chest.
“Daemon…”
A sharp knock cut me off.
We both turned as the door swung open, revealing a young Fae woman practically glowing with excitement.
“Pardon the intrusion,” she said brightly, not sounding apologetic in the slightest. “Lyralei sent me. It’s time for dinner.”
