Not visibly.
Rhen simply became more still.
More dangerous.
“You are close to saying something you will regret.”
“I wasn’t accusing you.”
“You were speaking about something that does not belong to you.”
Veya lowered her gaze.
For several seconds, the only sound was the fire shifting in the hearth.
Then she asked, “Why am I here?”
Rhen’s expression remained empty.
“You were dying.”
“That still isn’t why.”
“I made a decision. Do not build a gentler meaning around it.”
She wanted to keep asking.
The warning in his face stopped her.
Veya sat on the edge of the bed, leaving as much distance between them as the room allowed.
“Then tell me the rules.”
Rhen studied her.
“You already know the most important one.”
“Stay in the room.”
“And you broke it.”
“I panicked.”
“I do not care why.”
Her mouth tightened.
“What else?”
Rhen remained beside the door, effectively sealing it without touching the lock.
“While this house is mourning, you stay away from Sule and the heir unless you are summoned.”
Veya nodded reluctantly.
“Second: you feed only from what is brought to you. You do not bite anyone.”
A chill moved through her.
