Chapter 48
The Truth Hidden in the Ice
No one celebrated surviving the battle.
The victory felt hollow.
Too many questions remained unanswered.
As the expedition made camp inside a sheltered cave, healers moved among the wounded in silence.
The crackling fire did little to warm the uneasy mood.
I sat alone near the cave entrance, turning my mother's silver key over in my hands.
Lucien's words refused to leave my mind.
"Why did your mother survive?"
"Why did your father remain alive?"
If the Last King wanted them dead...
Why keep them alive for more than twenty years?
Footsteps echoed softly behind me.
Kael.
He didn't sit immediately.
Instead, he leaned against the cave wall, giving me space.
"I know that look."
I managed a weak smile.
"Do you?"
"You only get that quiet
