Verity's POV

The heavy doors of my private chambers closed behind me with a solid thud, sealing me away from the throne room, from the cheering rogues and from Veyran's knowing grin.

Finally, I was alone.

The confident mask I'd worn so easily moments ago began to crack the instant I crossed the threshold. My shoulders sagged, the weight of everything pressing down on me like anvils piled on my chest.

I walked slowly to the mirror mounted on the far wall—a massive thing framed in blackened ...