SOREN
I watched her walk away.
Not just from me... but from everything. The crown, the chaos, the fire. The weight of it all trailing behind her like the train of that infernal gown, gold catching on obsidian floors as if even light itself didn't want to let her go.
And that look she gave me before turning...
Maker above.
It wasn't anger. Not entirely. It was something sharper. Something alive. A challenge, maybe. Or the faintest recognition of what I already knew: that she and I were not done, not even close.
I felt it in my chest... the rush, the pulse that didn't belong to a man who'd just caused diplomatic catastrophe. No fear. Just exhilaration.
Because when Eris Igniva looked at me with that fire behind her eyes, I didn't feel threatened. I felt seen.
Of course, somewhere beneath that thrill, the ghost of guilt stirred.
Caelen.
