Chapter 196

ELDER MAERON’S POV

Morning sunlight streamed through the high, narrow windows of my chamber as I stood by the table.

I have been awake since before dawn, my thoughts circling endlessly around the decision I was about to make. Secrets buried for nearly twenty years weighed heavy in my chest, pressing like stone against my heart. There was no hiding the truth any longer, not after everything that just happened.

When the door opened, I lifted my gaze.

Kieran entered first, his ...