Maelek's eyebrows rose. "Can you? Or do you wish to own the revelation? To be the one who uncovers the first true Oblivion in an age and present her, controlled and collared, to a family that views you as the second-rate son?" His voice wasn't cruel, but it was relentlessly perceptive. It flayed Kieran open, exposing the raw ambition and the darker, more confusing need beneath.
"She is not an Oblivion. Her powers would have manifested at eighteen. She is six years past the age threshold."
"And yet, she remains a question."
Kieran looked away, his eyes finding the false window's peaceful forest. It was a lie. Nothing in this house was peaceful. "What would you have me do?"
"For now? Nothing." Maelek picked up his pipe again. "Observe. Your attention towards the Accords is required first
