Most people offered excuses when they cared about someone. Dax seemed capable of loyalty without pretending Rhen’s actions were harmless.
“He fell apart when she died,” she said.
“He did.”
“Will he again?”
Dax looked toward the stronghold, where dark windows reflected the lanterns burning throughout the grounds.
“Not where anyone can see him. Rhen considers being witnessed another form of vulnerability, and he will not willingly allow it twice.”
Veya rubbed her arms beneath the oversized sweatshirt.
Understanding Rhen’s grief did not weaken her resentment. If anything, it made the conflict harder to contain. She could recognize that he had been broken before entering her room and still hate him for taking her choice.
“I don’t know how to exist here,” she admitted. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with myself.”
Dax shifted toward her, resting his forearms across his knees while leaving the space between them intact.
“You survive first.”
“And after that?”
“After that, you stop demanding that your mind understand everything in one night. This house will consume you if you force yourself to carry every answer at once.”
Veya studied him skeptically, even as part of her wanted to believe him.
“What happens if I can’t stop thinking?”
“Then I distract you. I am exceptionally talented at it.”
“Are you?”
“Trust me, distraction is an art form, and I am one of its finest practitioners.”
Her laugh returned, sharper and more genuine this time. She shook her head and looked away as though she did not want him to notice how much the absurdity helped.
When she faced him again, his expression had softened around the edges. The charm remained, but it had quieted into something less practiced.
“You do not owe me trust,” he said. “You do not owe anyone in this house that, especially not yet.”
Veya’s amusement faded.
“Then why are you doing this?”
“Rhen is not the only part of this situation you have to face. You have been dropped into the middle of this house, its grief, and every consequence attached to it. The people inside may protect you if you give them reason to trust you, and they will stop you if you become a danger.”
“That sounds reassuring.”
“It was not intended to be reassuring. It was intended to be honest.”
She held his gaze.
“And you?”
“I would rather you had at least one person in the stronghold who speaks to you instead of issuing commands.”
The answer tightened something inside her chest.
