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The words stayed between us.

Kaelen stopped breathing.

I saw the exact moment they reached him. His face changed sharply, the control disappearing so completely that for once I could see everything he usually kept buried.

His lips parted.

“I…” Nothing came out. He tried again. “You…” His eyes searched mine, almost angry in their confusion. “I can’t—” His voice cracked, and he looked away before forcing himself to face me again. “Why would you say that?”

“Because it’s true.” I saw his throat work. “And because you should know the truth before you decide what to destroy.”

His eyes closed briefly.

When they opened again, there was something raw in them.

I stepped back. “Will it be harder to sever me now that you know?”

His face tightened.

I already had my answer.

“Good.”

“Wren.”

“Let’s see if you still mean it when I’m standing in front of you.”

Something moved behind his eyes.

Fear, certainly.

Pride too, maybe. Anger. Horror.

And beneath all of it, something he was trying very hard not to let me see.

I didn’t wait for him to name it.

I didn't go back to the tower.

I went directly to Oda.

I told her about the classification that had existed before Hollow. I told her about the monitoring lists, my mother's entry and the words retained by order of the Chair. I told her that Aldric had threatened Kaelen with a cull order and promised to spare me if he completed the Severing.

I did not tell her Ronan's name. She noticed the omission, but she didn't ask.

When I finished, Oda sat very still on her windowsill.

"Do you intend to leave Ironmoor?" she asked.

"No."

"Do you intend to consent to Council custody?"

"No."

"Then remain a student in my charge. Attend every proceeding they require you to attend. Refuse no lawful order you can safely obey. Sign nothing, surrender nothing and do not set one foot beyond the harbor without speaking to me first."

"The Charter?"