{ Avina }
“Forgive me, Your Majesty,” Dutton said, his voice tight. “I was… overzealous.”
For a brief moment, Dutton’s eyes lifted—just enough to meet the King’s gaze. Something passed between them. A flicker of understanding. The King’s chin dipped, barely perceptible. Dutton’s jaw tightened, and then his gaze dropped again. Whatever silent exchange had occurred, it was finished.
“Leave us,” the King said. “All of you.”
Dutton hesitated. “Your Majesty—”
“Now.”
The room emptied. Dutton was the last to go, his reluctance obvious in the stiffness of his shoulders. The door closed behind him with a heavy thud.
And then it was just me. Alone with the Blood King.
My pulse roared in my ears. He stepped further into the room, but the shadows moved with him, keeping his face hidden. I coul
