Page 56 of A Reflection of Dusk and Dawn

But I can’t.

I need to warn Jasce—to stop this madness before it begins. But with Aleksander holding sway over my magic and the Watchers joining Asha, it will not be easy.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Aleksander

Long after themeeting in the throne room, I sit across from Asha in her parlor.

“Do you trust Brathen?” I ask as I lean back in my chair, cradling a goblet of wine.

She meets my gaze, her blue eyes unwavering. “I do. He’s proven himself time and again.”

A flicker of doubt gnaws at my gut, but I nod anyway.

I’ve always prided myself on my ability to judge people, to see beneath their lies and uncover their motives. But with Brathen, I’m left grasping at shadows.

Asha stands and moves to the window, where she faces the night sky, hands clasped behind her back. “Do you not trust him?”

“I find it hard to trust a man who hides his face.”

“Sometimes people wear masks for a reason. It doesn’t necessarily mean they have something to hide.”

“Doesn’t it, though? Why else would he conceal his identity?” I ask, then take a long drink of the wine, letting its warmth spread through me.

A sigh escapes Asha as she turns to face me. “You’re too quick to judge, just like everyone else from your house. Give him a chance. He’s on our side.”

Typical Asha—always quick to throw stones at my house.

Though, it is true that Brathen has been a valuable ally thus far. Still, the unease lingers, a whisper in the back of my mind that I can’t quite silence.

Who is he really? And why is he so willing to help us?

I set down my empty goblet and cross the room to stand beside Asha at the window. “It’s not just Brathen. I worry about the alliances we’re forging. The risks we’re taking.”

The lines near her mouth tighten as she keeps her stare forward. “Risks are necessary for victory.”

“Perhaps.” I study her profile, the way the soft glow of torchlight grazes her cheek. “But some risks aren’t worth taking.”

“Then, why are you here, Aleksander? If you doubt our path?”

“Because I believe in our cause. And...” I pause, then say what I’ve been thinking for a while, “…I believe in you.”

“Belief isn’t enough. We need action.”

“Action without trust leads to ruin.”

The lines near her mouth deepen even more as she frowns. “If you can’t trust our decisions, maybe you should reconsider your place.”

The space between us shrinks as I step closer to her. “You know I won’t do that.”

Her eyes meet mine for a brief moment before drifting back to the window.

“Sit with me,” I suggest, motioning to the sofa nearby.

She hesitates, then moves, settling at the far end. I take a seat beside her.

“Asha,” I begin. “I want us to take time to get to know each other.”

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