The movement sent fresh pain through Nero's chest, but it was duller now, more manageable. Casteel felt it through their bond and immediately reached out, his hand finding Nero's with unconscious ease.
"The rebellion seems well-established here," Nero observed, accepting a spoonful of porridge from Casteel despite his desire to feed himself. His pride warred briefly with practicality before surrendering to necessity.
He would never admit to secretly enjoying it.
"Eryken's been planning this for months," Makim confirmed, mixing herbs into a cup of tea. "Safehouses throughout the city,supporters in key positions. The attack on the palace was meant to be the culmination, not the beginning."
"And now?" Casteel asked, his focus divided between feeding Nero and absorbing this information.
Makim's expression grew grave. "Now Doran has declared martial law. The Silver Guard patrols the streets, arresting anyone suspected of rebel sympathies. He's also proclaimed that the Silver Wolf has been corrupted by dark magic and must be 'purified' before he can fulfill his divine purpose."
Nero's jaw tightened as he processed this information. "Meaning?"
"Meaning he wants you back," Makim said bluntly. "There's a bounty on both your heads—enough gold to buy a small estate."
Through their bond, Nero felt Casteel's spike of fear, not for himself but for the ordinary people who might be tempted by such wealth. The young man's compassion, even after everything they'd endured, never ceased to amaze him.
"How long before this place is compromised?" Nero asked, his tactical mind already working despite his weakened state.
"Hard to say," Makim replied, checking the bandages one final time. "Eryken's people are skilled at staying hidden, but Doran's forces are growing bolder. They've already raided two other safehouses."
"Then we need to move," Nero said, attempting to push himself up farther. Pain flared through his chest, and Casteel's hand immediately pressed against his shoulder.
"You're not moving anywhere," Casteel said firmly. "You can barely sit up without help."
"I can function," Nero insisted, though his body betrayed him with a tremor. "We're putting everyone here at risk."
"The risk is manageable," came Eryken's voice from the doorway. The rebellion commander entered, his arm still in a sling but his bearing strong. "For now."
Makim gathered his supplies and departed, leaving the three of them alone. Eryken settled into the chair beside the bed, his expression thoughtful.
"I've been thinking about what you said," he addressed Casteel. "About not being anyone's weapon."
"And?" Casteel's tone was wary.
"And you're right. But that doesn't mean you can't choose to be a symbol." Eryken leaned forward, his voice taking on the persuasive quality that had rallied countless rebels to his cause. "Doran is using fear and religious fervor to consolidate power. But you represent something else—hope, freedom, the possibility of a different path."
Nero felt Casteel's conflicted emotions—the desire to help warring with exhaustion and fear. "What are you proposing?"
"A counter-proclamation," Eryken said. "Let the people know that the Silver Wolf hasn't been corrupted, that he rejects Doran's tyranny. Show them there's another choice."
"And how exactly do we do that while hiding in abandoned buildings?" Casteel asked, though Nero could sense his interest despite the skepticism.
Eryken's weathered face creased into what might have been a smile. "By not hiding much longer." He reached into his jacket, producing a rolled parchment sealed with wax. "I've been in contact with Lord Aldwin Morven of House Morven. He's one of the nobles who openly opposed Doran's decree."
Nero's eyes sharpened despite his weakened state. "Morven controls the northern trade routes. If he's willing to support us..."
"He's more than willing," Eryken confirmed. "Half the noble houses are terrified of Doran's power grab. They see their own authority being stripped away, their lands subjected to 'divine oversight.' Morven is prepared to host a gathering—neutral ground where you could address the other lords directly."
Through their bond, Nero felt Casteel's immediate alarm. "It's a trap," the younger man said flatly. "Has to be. And even if it isn't, the noble houses have their own agendas."
"Perhaps," Eryken agreed. "But what choice do we have? Stay hidden while Doran consolidates power, or take the risk and try to build opposition?"
Nero attempted to sit up straighter, ignoring the lance of pain through his chest. "When?"
"Nero, you can't seriously be considering this," Casteel protested, his hand tightening on his mate's arm. "You can barely walk, and they want us to travel north into potentially hostile territory?"
"How long?" Nero pressed, his tactical mind already working through possibilities despite Casteel's objections.
