Aurenya’s POV
The silence after Lyssara’s words felt heavier than the howls.
Even the wolves outside had gone still.
I could feel them now. Not just their presence—but them. Pressing against the walls. Breathing the same air. Waiting.
My grip tightened around the dagger.
“Go,” I said again, but my voice lacked the strength it had moments ago. “You’ve seen enough.”
A low chuckle came from the other side of the door. Not amused. Not kind.
Dangerous.
“You think this changes nothing?” Rhydan’s voice was rough, edged with something wild. “You think we walk away after that?”
My chest rose and fell too fast. “You should have walked away five years ago.”
The words slipped out before I could stop them.
Silence answered me.
But it wasn’t empty.
It was sharp. Tight. Coiled.
Then—
A sol
