"...What?" said Justin.

"I played a different role than the mercenaries who killed the king and queen that night, but I am no less to blame. I accepted the first half of Asher's payment and took Leah to the Gravelands. I fully intended to betray her as planned."

"No," said Justin. "No, when those men kidnapped her, you went after them for-"

"For reneging on our deal. Those soldiers may not have known it, but they had been sent to strong-arm me so Asher could retain the ...