I couldn't stop pacing. The room felt small, the quiet between us felt heavy and solid.

“Words,” I spat, turning sharp on my heel. “She thinks words will stop Brom? He asked for blood, Kael. Blood.”

Kael stood still, his jaw clenched, hands curled at his sides. He was too calm.

"We're not giving him anyone," he said firmly. "Not this way.”

A hot anger burned in my chest.

“And when he brings war to our gates? When servants lie dead because you wanted to play ...