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“Good girl,” he says, letting go of my face and stepping back.

“Why didn’t you want to answer?” he asks, tilting his head.

Dragus watches me just as intently, his expression unreadable—awe? Wonder? I don’t know, it makes me uncomfortable.

I grit my teeth, unwilling to respond, though I know the words will come anyway.

“Elora Aziza.” My words spew out of me in a rush.

Matitus steps back, recognition shining in his eyes, and he looks to Dragus.

Aziza was a well-known name among the Fae, a direct descendant of the Royal Fae. My grandmother once told me the Chosen One would be born from one of three royal bloodlines—Aziza, Zana, or Helcate.

That was all the Oracle knew. Not which generation, only that they would carry Royal Fae blood and become the Fae’s redemption.

“You’re from a royal bloodline?” I nod my head knowing it is useless trying to fight the urges to answer. Dragus steps forward. “I haven’t heard that name in decades,” he says, kneeling in front of me.

“Eat little one, I mean neither of you any harm,” he says turning to Lilith who had stopped eating and listened intently to their questions. She resumes eating and I rub her cheek assuredly.

“Silas will want to know for sure,” Dragus says, eyes locked on Matitus.

Matitus’s expression tightens, lips pressing into a thin line, brows furrowing. His eyes flicker dangerously, making my heart pound faster. He gives a single nod before glancing at me, worry clear in his gaze.

“Why am I here?” I repeat daringly. They don’t seem bothered by my questions, I also know no one would dare question them, they were known for being merciless killers.

“All will be revealed when Silas returns, eat and rest for now. Abigail will be by later in the morning with some chores.”

I nod, relieved they’re finally leaving. As the door closes and the lock clicks into place, I release the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

Turning to Lilith, I notice her empty bowl and slide mine toward her.

“You have it,” I say. She’s far too skinny—she needs it more than I do.

Lilith thanks me and quickly devours the soup. Once she’s done, I set the tray on the desk, pull back the blankets, and climb into bed. Lilith curls up beside me, and I wrap an arm around her protectively.