The storm broke just after midnight.
Thunder cracked over the citadel, rattling panes. Rain traced silent rivers down the glass of Karl's private chamber.
He stood at the window, still holding the dossier with his signature scrawled beneath the words *Execution Approved.*
Behind him, the door creaked open.
“You asked me to come," Lia said softly.
He didn't turn. “I remember everything now."
Silence.
“I remember waking up in your arms," he continued. “The smell of smoke. The lullaby. The pain. You held me together."
She stepped closer. “And after that?"
“I sent the letter," he whispered. “Thought I was thanking you. Instead, I sent a blade to your throat."
Lia's breath hitched.
“I thought it was a gesture," Karl said. “A boy's attempt to be noble."
She stood beside him now. “I k
