“I don’t know,” I said honestly. “Maybe because you are my mate. Maybe because the bond doesn’t care about pride or anger. Or maybe because I saw you fight for your people until you could barely stand. You may be cruel, Kael, but you are not heartless.”
He did not speak for a moment. When he finally did, his voice was low, almost tired. “The rogues tonight. They were not just raiders. Someone sent them. They knew where our defenses were weak. That kind of knowledge does not come from wandering scavengers.”
“Then who?”
He hesitated. “I do not know yet. But I intend to find out. And I think you might be part of the answer.”
My stomach tightened. “Because of the Silver Blood.”
“Because of whoever wants it dead,” he said. His eyes darkened as if he were seeing something far beyo
