CHAPTER NINE: THE TRIAL LOOMS (Part three)
From behind the back pillars—
where the light didn't quite reach—
Riko watched.
Not with open anger.
Not with words.
Just the kind of stare that measured things quietly.
His arms were crossed.
His eyes fixed not on Liraen—
but on Zephryn.
Like he'd known this moment would come.
Like he'd been waiting to see how the echo would break.
Zephryn didn't look at him.
He didn't need to.
He could feel it—
that presence on the edge of the room,
watching the fire flicker and hoping it would go out on its own.
Selka finally moved.
She reached into her sleeve and pulled out a folded paper.
Didn't read it.
Didn't hand it to anyone.
She just stared at it for a moment,
then tucked it deeper into her coat.
Kaelen shifted his grip on his pen.
It cracked under the pressure.
He let it fall to the floor.
Yolti turned her head toward Zephryn.
But for once—
she didn't smile.
Didn't joke.
Didn't try to patch the silence.
She just watched him.
Like she knew
he was doing math in his head—
Not of battle.
Of betrayal.
Liraen's voice continued above them.
Unbothered.
Unaffected.
But Zephryn wasn't listening anymore.
His hands were still.
His flame was low.
But his memory was on fire.