Chapter 85

Chapter 85

The grand hall of the palace was quiet, filled with tension so thick it was nearly suffocating. The room was dimly lit by the golden glow of the chandelier, casting flickering shadows on the polished marble floors.

Tanin sat stiffly between Thiam and Emily, her hands curled into tight fists in her lap. Damian stood behind her, his large frame tense, his sharp eyes locked on Liyana.

She was still here.

The woman Tanin had mourned for twelve years.

The woman she had held in her arms as she died.

Tanin's breath was shallow, her heartbeat an erratic drum inside her chest.

She swallowed, her voice barely above a whisper, yet sharp like a blade.

"Explain."

Liyana sat across from her, hands trembling as she clutched the folds of her faded cloak. The man beside her, tall and strikingly handsome, placed a steadying hand on her shoulder.