Valeris glanced at him, surprised by the tone in his voice. Asher wasn't angry—but there was something colder beneath his words. Curiosity mixed with judgment.
"So," Asher said quietly, eyes narrowing as he studied Varnis. "You're ready to sacrifice your daughter… the same one you once promised a wish to, should anyone be able to heal her?"
Valeris glanced at him, surprised by the tone in his voice. Asher wasn't angry—but there was something colder beneath his words. Curiosity mixed with judgment.
"I don't understand you now," he added.
Lord Varnis didn't flinch. His gaze remained steady, calm. "She was saved. Yes. The healer did their part, and I honored my vow. But that was then. This is now."
He clasped his hands behind his back, stepping slowly toward the edge of the chamber's crimson carpet. The light from a nearby lantern shimmered faintly across the golden embroidery of his robe.
