Rivara’s POV
The dim glow of the lanterns flickered against the stone walls, casting long, restless shadows that stretched and twisted with each shift of the flames. The chamber was quiet, save for the distant howl of the wind against the stone, a haunting reminder of the world that waited beyond these walls.
I leaned against the edge of the wooden desk, the polished surface cool beneath my fingertips as I tapped absently against the stack of papers resting there. The scent of parchment and ink lingered in the air, mingling with the faint traces of smoldering embers from the nearby fireplace. But none of it truly registered.
My mind was consumed by only one thing—what came next.
Across from me, Varin stood with his arms folded, his sharp gaze fixed on me, unblinking, unreadable. The f
