I hesitated, then stepped forward, unsure what he wanted.
“The seas have been whispering again,” he said.
“Have they?” I asked softly. “What do they say?”
His eyes gleamed. “Something will wake in the wilds. Something powerful, so you have toremember.”He leaned even closer. “It’s coming, shadow girl. For you.”
“Dante, enough,” Mireille snapped. Her voice held no affection—just weary dismissal.
She turned her head. “Linus!”
Linus approached—a tall man with greying hair and tired eyes. His steps were practiced, quiet. Used to being ignored. “Yes, mistress?”
“Dante needs his rest. Please, take him.”
“Mother…” Caelen began, “he’s fine.”
“Quiet.” Her tone cut through the air like a blade.
She stood, descending the dais with slow, deliberate steps—her gaze locked on me.
“So Elira Virell.” She looked me up and down. “You don’t dress like a princess.”
I glanced at Caelen, then back at her. “Excuse me?” I asked. “What does that even mean? Should I be wearing silk gown? I’m going to war.”
Her lip twitched—either disdain or amusement.
“You should have stayed home with your mother. Syrena was a fool to let you go.”
I held her gaze. “My mother respects my autonomy.”
Mireille’s expression sharpened. “Does she? Ah well—her loss, in the end.”
Nice to be written off so fast.
“Well, thank you for your hospitality. We’ll rest up and be out of your hair in the morning.” I started, turning slightly—ready to end it.
“You could stay here. Both of you,” Mireille cut in smoothly. “Like was intended in the first place.”
I blinked. “What?”
She looked to Caelen. “The contract still stands.”
My stomach turned.
“Mother…” Caelen began, sending me a guilty glance.
Mireille raised an elegant brow. “You haven’t told her?” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “How awkward.”
I turned to Caelen. “Told me what?”
He hesitated. “We can talk about this later—”
I turned back to Mireille. “What contract?”
“Why, marriage, of course.” Her tone was light. Amused. Cruel. “You two have been betrothed since childhood.”
I blinked, reeling—then froze as her hand darted out.
