Verity's pov

The paper felt heavy in my hands, heavier than any weapon I had ever lifted. My quill hovered above it, trembling. Caleb stood in front of me, his expression terrifyingly neutral, but I could feel his curiosity—his need for answers— pressing against me and I didn't want him to get agitated and snap.

For a moment, I wanted to fold. To hide. To bury everything I had just admitted about Valcaryn and pretend none of it mattered.

Pretend that I was just joking you know.

But ...