Chapter 6 The Bargain

Elizabeth was waiting in the council chamber, her cane resting beside her as if it were a throne. She didn't flinch when Emily threw the file onto the table.

You signed it, Emily said coldly.

Elizabeth didn't deny it. She reached for the folder with calm fingers, barely glancing at it.

And?

You told me he was captured. You lied.

Elizabeth finally looked up, eyes sharp as broken glass. I withheld. There's a difference.

Emily stepped closer, voice low and dangerous. You brought him here. You delivered the man who razed our cities, who slaughtered our people, into our stronghold.

He surrendered," Elizabeth said simply. Under conditions.

Emily's stomach turned. "What conditions?

Silence. Imprisonment. And access... to you.

The words landed like a blow. Emily's breath caught.

"You used me."

Elizabeth's expression didn't shift. "He would only come if he knew who would guard the gates."

"I'm not a symbol!" Emily snapped. "I'm a soldier."

Elizabeth's voice softened almost. And that's exactly why he wanted to face you. Because war isn't about banners or walls anymore. It's about people. You. Him. Whatever binds you in blood.

Emily stepped back, shaking her head. "No. I don't believe this.

He asked for you, Elizabeth said. By name.

Down in the cell, Raphael sat with his back against the wall, humming a different tune this time one from the north, a lullaby of frost and mourning.

He didn't stop when Ivy entered.

I've heard that song before, she said.

I doubt that.

In the camp outside Mereth. Before we lost it.

Raphael opened one eye. Then you know how it ends.

Ivy crossed her arms. You asked for Emily. Why?

He grinned faintly. Because I've seen what she becomes when the war ends.

Ivy didn't blink. And what's that?

Something worse than me.