Page 48 of Savage Crown

That I have always been able to see through the lies, the manipulations, the games.

But when Lartina’s message arrives, carried by one of her trusted servants—I feel it.

That first, sharp sting of something dangerous.

I read the letter twice, then a third time, before I slowly set it down.

The fire beside me burns low, casting deep shadows against the walls of my study, but it does nothing to chase away the cold settling in my chest.

Lartina is clever. Too clever.

And she plays her games well.

I know she’s trying to get inside my head.

I know this is bait.

But that doesn’t stop the words from sinking their claws into me.

You’re losing your edge, Rylan.

You let a human get too close.

And now she’s leading you exactly where Nhilian wants.

I exhale slowly, rolling my shoulders, forcing the tension out of my body.

I won’t let her win.

I won’t let her words take root.

But the problem is—I don’t know if she’s lying.

—

An hour later, I still haven’t moved.

The letter sits where I left it, taunting me, whispering things I’m not interested.

I press my fingers against my temple, shutting my eyes for a moment.

She’s always been a question I haven’t been able to answer.

Too bold, too fearless, too damn comfortable in my presence.

And now, I begin to wonder… Was that strength real? Or was it just another carefully crafted lie?

The thought shouldn’t hurt. But it does.

"Are you avoiding me?" Seraphina’s voice is even, but there’s something off in it as she lingers in the doorway.

Something too aware.

She knows something is wrong.

I keep my back to her, staring into the fire. "Why would I?"

"I don’t know," she says carefully. "You tell me."

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