Malrik POV
Quillan leaned forward, a sly curve tugging at his mouth, the kind of smile that said he hadn’t run out of words yet.
“You still doubt their motives? Do you really think they wouldn’t stoop low enough to strike a bargain with the enemy? Say that to the Mancinis.” His tone was smooth, laced with dark amusement. “Weren’t you dragged before the council not long ago? Tell that to those power-hungry sloths who call themselves leaders. By now you should know some would rather burn down what they can’t possess than let another hold it.”
I let out a sharp breath, refusing to admit aloud that he wasn’t wrong. I’d never thought of it in quite that light, yet the truth of his words cut deeper than I liked.
He tilted his head, studying me with those hawk-like eyes of his. “And this woma
