POV: Rhex
The communication crystal sat on my desk like an accusation. Small, unassuming, and connected directly to my father. I'd been staring at it for an hour, debating whether using it would be salvation or damnation.
"You going to actually use that, or just glare at it all night?" Kael asked from the doorway.
"Still deciding if it's worth the risk."
"Your father is on the Council of Five. If anyone has answers about the Purifiers, it's him." Kael moved into the room. "But you know the price he'll demand."
I did. My father never gave anything without taking something in return.
"Nyxara needs to know the truth," I said finally. "About who really ordered the m******e. About what we're up against." I reached for the crystal. "Even if it costs me."
The crystal warmed in my palm, glo
