Hazel’s POV
“What do you mean?” The words tumbled out of me before I could stop them. My voice sounded small in the quiet hallway, but the fear behind it was loud enough to echo in my own ears.
Dillian’s face stayed serious, the small smirk from earlier completely gone. He glanced once more at Nicholas, who was standing a few feet away with his hands still shoved deep in his pockets, before looking back at me. His eyes held a weight that made my stomach twist tighter.
“The Northern waters,” he said quietly. “We’ve been holding them back for a very long time. But with the king’s army fighting us now…we don’t think we can hold for long.”
He paused, letting the words sink in like cold water. I felt the air grow heavier around us.
“I’m not just worried about you, Hazel. If my father touch
