"Do not move," the King said. Precisely roared.
The throne room was no longer silent.
Wolves bared their teeth. Magicians whispered behind enchanted barriers. A few witches stared at me like they’d just seen a ghost.
One older guard dropped to one knee. Another followed.
“She’s royal-born,” someone muttered. “She’s the Queen’s blood.”
“I don’t believe it,” another snapped. “It’s a trick.”
“It’s her eyes,” a witch whispered. “Look at them.”
I stood still, caught between heat and ice. Ryvarn was at my side, jaw clenched, his hand still in mine. I could feel the tension under his skin like something barely caged.
The King hadn’t moved since I said the words.
I am your daughter.
He studied me as if trying to see past my skin and into my soul. His voice came soft but sharp.
“Leave th
