Varion closed the door behind us when we returned to our bedroom. He moved around the room in silence, removing his jacket, taking off his shoes, setting them aside with deliberate care. When he finally spoke, his voice was quieter than I had ever heard it.
“I know this isn’t the life you deserved.”
I didn’t look at him. If I did, I might see sincerity there—and that would make everything harder for me.
“I dragged you into this,” he continued.
“Into the King’s reach. Into his games.” He exhaled sharply.
“I should have protected you better.”
That word again.
Protected.
“I know I’ve been… cruel,” Varion said.
“Possessive. Angry. Gods, Veyra, I know I’ve given you a miserable existence since we left the Herion pack.”
I stilled.
He came closer, stopping just in front of me.
“But
