The space is thick with unspoken threats.
I swallow, my throat dry, but I refuse to look away from Rylan.
From the rage barely contained beneath his skin.
He wants to rip this place apart.
Wants to carve a path through Nhilian and every single bastard in this room.
But Nhilian still has the upper hand.
He still has me.
And he knows it.
He leans back, taking another sip of wine."I assume you have questions."
Rylan’s voice is low, quiet. More dangerous than a scream.
"Unchain her."
Nhilian chuckles."No."
Rylan’s jaw tightens.
I see the barely restrained urge to lunge, to snap Nhilian’s spine in half.
But the older dark elf is patient.
He wants something more than blood.
He wants to break him.
And I know how he’s going to do it.
Nhilian exhales, setting his goblet down."You know, I always did find it amusing how much you clung to your precious ‘truths,’ Rylan."
He gestures to the seat across from us.
"Sit. Let me give you one more."
Rylan doesn’t move.
Nhilian smiles, like he enjoys this. Like he lives for this.
And then he says it.
The final truth.
The one meant to shatter him.
"The man you called father killed the man who gave you life."
The room plunges into silence.
Rylan just stands there, staring.
His body rigid as stone.