Chapter 228

The night had the wrong kind of quiet.

Not peace — a pause.

Like the air itself was holding its breath, waiting to see if the story would end in blood or mercy.

I didn’t need to look around to know she was there.

I could feel her. Mother Sorana.

Her presence seeped through the corners of the room, the faint scent of salt and old ash curling into the air. I could feel her even before she revealed h