N Y X
The air between us tightened.
And then, abruptly, he let go.
The absence of his hand felt louder than its presence.
He stepped back, a full pace this time, reclaiming distance like a shield snapping into place.
His shoulders squared, expression shuttering with practiced control, as though whatever truth had slipped free had startled even him.
For a heartbeat, I thought I saw regret.
Not for what he’d said.
But for how much he’d revealed.
“If you choose to stand by his side,” Draven said, his voice measured again, carefully neutral, “I won’t stop you.”
The words landed heavier than a threat.
He turned slightly, gaze cutting toward the door, then back to me.
“But it’s only fair I tell you the truth,” he continued. “Raiden will be overthrown.”
My breath caught.
“This,” he
