Lena
"Torin."
Gunnar didn't take his eyes off me.
"Ready the escort."
The words fell quietly into the room.
Not cruel.
Not angry.
Simply... final.
For a heartbeat, no one moved.
Torin stood beside the door, waiting for another command. Another explanation. Even I waited, foolishly believing there had to be more.
There wasn't.
Gunnar's gaze lingered on my face.
On the chains hanging from my wrists.
On the bruises circling my skin.
His jaw tightened.
Then, with deliberate precision, he looked away.
That tiny movement hurt far more than any shouted accusation.
Because it told me he had made his choice.
"Lady Lena."
Torin's voice was unusually gentle.
"If you'll come with me."
I stared at Gunnar one last time.
Only minutes ago, this room had witnessed something impossible
