POV: Aiden

Corvin didn’t come to talk, he came to collect something he thought I still owed. I know he’s there because the land tightens, not alarmed, not panicking just… offended.

The white stone beneath my boots hums low, the pillars around the gate shivering like they’re holding their breath. This place doesn’t tolerate parasites well, It remembers who bled for it.

I rest my hand on my blade anyway.

“Come out,” I say. “If you’re going to lie to me again, at least do it ...