Merida didn't speak right away. Her gaze lingered on Evelyn for a long, heavy moment. Then she slowly turned, walking toward the door.
But just as her hand reached for the handle, she paused. Her voice was calm, but it was full of warning and caution.
"If you have lied to me, Evelyn," she said, without turning around, "if you have twisted the truth to feed your own hatred, then know this, every witch in the coven will turn against you. And I will not stop them."
Evelyn's eyes widened. Her throat tightened, but her voice came out steady.
"Are you doubting me? Do you think my family had the power to control the land when he was the duke? I haven't lied, Meridia. Rhistel is the Northern Duke. He is the one who led the burnings. I swear it's in my blood that it had nothing to do with me."
For a moment, Meridia didn't respond. Then she turned her head just slightly enough for Evelyn to see the cold gleam in her eyes.
"Then I hope, for your sake, that your blood speaks true."
