The man stood and walked closer. Each step was calm. Quiet. His presence filled the room. He didn’t need to speak to show power. She felt it in her bones.

Then he spoke.

“I’m the one who saved your life.”

His voice was deep and cold but not cruel.

Lyra blinked. “Saved me…?”

“You were poisoned,” he said. “Silverroot. A strong dose. You shouldn’t be breathing right now.”

The memory came back in flashes.

The goblet. The pain. The heat. The darkness.

She flinched.

“You ...