Page 40 of Crowned In Venom

It belonged to a noble house—once.

A house that was erased long before I was taken, long before my family was slaughtered.

A house the dark elves burned to the ground.

The ink beside the name is smudged, but the debt is clear.

Oath of Silence. Life Held in Reserve.

I do not understand what it means.

But I understand enough.

This name should be ashes.

This name should be dead.

And yet, Varkos wrote it here.

Why?

A noise.

Behind me.

Not the scrape of boots. Not footsteps.

Something softer.

A breath?

I turn too fast, my pulse slamming against my ribs.

Nothing.

No one.

The room is empty.

And yet?—

I know I am not alone.

I press the book to my chest.

I move swiftly, slipping back toward the door.

I listen. Count to five again.

Nothing. Maybe I’m just being paranoid.

I step out.

The hall is silent. The air is still.

And yet, the feeling does not leave.

Something watched me.

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