THE TRUTH LAID BARE

The stars had risen over Drevina, silver-pinned in a velvet sky. The house was quiet now, not with tension, but with the kind of peace that felt like the calm before the tide turned. Inside, I could hear them. Ysara was humming as she chopped herbs. Caelan's deep voice, teasing and distracted. The soft clatter of plates and the occasional sizzle of something catching too much fire.

It was strange. To feel warmth in a place that should have only held secrets. I stood at the back of the house with Tharion, leaning against the wooden frame, watching the dark line where the forest met the wind. His arms were folded, one boot braced against the wall, face tilted to the moon.

"You ever think we'd end up here?" he murmured.

"No."

He let out a dry laugh. "I kind of like it."

I said nothing, but I agreed.