Malrik POV
I entered my office with purpose, every step driven by the resolve coursing through me. Today, there would be no diversions, no excuses I was going to start pulling threads until the truth unraveled.
The air itself seemed taut, thick with anticipation as I lowered into my chair, waiting for the others.
Ashuriel arrived first, as I knew he would, carrying his usual air of unbothered ease. Vladan, I expected, would take his time fatigue was bound to catch up with him eventually. That didn’t matter. For now, I had one officer in front of me, and questions that wouldn’t wait.
I arched a brow at Ashuriel. “I hear you’ve been sparring with Dravina.”
A grin tugged at his lips, the kind that told me he knew exactly how the words would land. “Didn’t want her pining while you were aw
