Page 51 of The Panther's Price

She didn’t feelstronger, not exactly.

She feltemptier. Lighter in all the wrong ways.

The kind of cold that settled under your ribs and made a home there.

Thalia entered without knocking.

She didn’t speak right away, just walked to the window and looked out at the Hollow. The trees beyond were still aflame with light from the rite. Even the shadows seemed quieter, holding their breath.

“You did well.”

Evryn didn’t answer.

Thalia looked over her shoulder. “You feel it, don’t you? The change.”

“I feel... like I lost something.”

Thalia stepped closer. “You gave something. There’s a difference.”

Evryn studied her. “Eamon.”

Thalia’s expression didn’t shift, but something in her eyes flickered. “He’s alive.”

Evryn clenched her fists. “Where?”

“I’ve told you—safe. And you’ll see him when you’re ready.”

Her voice was even, but Evryn could hear the thread beneath it.

“You mean when I’m trained enough.”

Thalia didn’t deny it. “Where he is… it’s not a place one walks into unprepared. Or uninvited.”

Evryn’s heart thudded. “He’s with her, isn’t he?”

The pause was telling.

“I’ve ensured he’s untouched. But yes. He’s in the Queen’s custody.”

Evryn’s stomach twisted.

“He raised me.”

Thalia nodded. “And he’s why you’ll survive this. Why youmust.”

Evryn turned to the window, jaw tight. Her power stirred again. Her shadows coiled at the edge of her thoughts.

The silence between them grew heavy.

And then Evryn spoke.

Low. Sharp. “Why me?”

Thalia tilted her head.

Evryn didn’t look at her. “Don’t feed me the bloodline answer again. I know I’ve got power. I know I’ve got the mark. But sowhat? That’s not enough to make people bow. Not enough to make you risk open war with the Queen.”

She turned to face Thalia fully. “Why do you want me? What do I give your rebellion that no one else can?”

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