Malrik’s POV

Ysolde’s account still clung to me like poison, leaving a bitter weight that refused to settle. Anger coiled hot in my chest, seeping into the air around me. These men wanted to bury themselves in old fears, twisting half-truths into weapons of convenience, but I would not stand by and let them justify another act of cruelty. If they chose to press the matter, they would have to face me and they all knew the cost of that.

“Rhydian broke a rule,” Xerion snapped, his voice ...