Lucian
There was a bitterness in Darian’s voice now, something older and deeper than anything we were discussing.
I knew it had to do with Mara. I didn’t press.
Instead, I said simply, “I see where you’re going with this.”
Darian continued. “She left her first love because of money. Chose power over loyalty. If you want proof of the child she claims died, you’ll need to ask about the grave. If the story’s real, there’s a tombstone somewhere.”
I stayed silent, letting his words settle.
Then I said, “Mara and I have another idea.”
He was quiet, listening now.
“We’ll go to Goldenpeak. Alone. We’ll find your grandparents—without telling your mother. If what she told us is true, they’ll confirm it. If there was ever a baby, there’ll be a grave. And if that man—Alaric—really loved her… t
