Mary Ann’s POV
“What does that mean?”
My voice sounded sharper than I intended, but I did not care.
Velvera sat against the narrow bed with fear clouding her green eyes. Modric stood beside me, tense enough that the bond felt like a drawn blade between us. Outside the guarded room, distant horns continued echoing through Ironclaw as Nightveil forces moved deeper into the territory.
There was no time for half-truths.
No patience left for riddles.
“You said my blood can awaken the ancient Nightveil throne,” I continued. “Explain exactly what Cassius believes.”
Velvera glanced toward the guards.
“They stay,” Modric said.
She looked back at me.
“I do not know every detail.”
“Then tell me every detail you do know.”
“I already told you—”
“No.”
I stepped closer to the bed.
“You tol
