“You disobeyed the Council," Carlisle said, voice like stone.
Vera stood at the edge of the Nave's shattered altar, crimson moonlight casting her shadow long. “I saved you."
“By scorching me with forbidden petals?"
“They calmed the chain."
He stepped forward, fingers brushing the blackened skin on his forearm where the moonflower's burn still pulsed. “They could've killed me."
She met his gaze. “So could keeping me here."
A long silence stretched between them.
Then, with unexpected gentleness, he said, “The blood moon rises tonight."
Vera's heart twisted. “And that means what, exactly?"
“Everything gets worse."
---
They returned to the palace through silent tunnels.
The air was tight, charged. Servants moved with wary steps. Guards double-checked their armor.
At the chamber do
