Lyssandra.
I should have left the moment the decision was made.
The moment Valtira agreed to go.
But I did not.
I remained standing near the entrance of the chamber, silent and still, waiting. I needed to see it with my own eyes. Needed to be certain she would not change her mind at the last breath and slam the door of fate shut again.
I told myself it was caution.
In truth, it was fear.
Ivanka lingered for a moment as she watched them go into the chamber. Then she walked towards me.
“Whatever this is,” she said in a low voice meant only for me, “I want my name kept out of it. I told you before—I do not want to be part of manipulation. She should make this choice herself.”
Her tone was sharp but controlled.
“You know Valtira would never make that decision,” I replied quietly. “
