Like the foundations of the palace had listened and paused.
Eldrin's brow didn't crease. He didn't scoff. But his green eyes cooled.
"Nytheris does not receive unannounced," he said.
"She already has."
Eldrin's fingers folded tighter. Just slightly.
"You've seen her recently?"
"Yes."
"When."
"Somewhere no one else was looking."
A long pause.
Then.
"She appeared to you willingly?"
"I didn't summon her."
"No one can."
"I know."
The weight between them thickened. Not with mistrust. But with memory.
Eldrin said nothing for a moment longer. His eyes flicked to Seraphine, just once.
She stepped forward, close enough for only the three of them to hear.
"If Nytheris has spoken," she said quietly, "then the Core may be—"
"Quiet," Eldrin said. Not unkind. But final.
He turned his gaze back to Lindarion.
"You will speak to no one else. Not the council. Not the guard. Not the court."
"I had no intention of speaking to any of them."
