The Bloodline's Claim

MAEVIA

I remained seated on the healer's bed after Torin and I finished speaking.

The conversation had left a quiet tension in the chamber. Torin had not moved from the chair beside the bed, and the silence between us felt heavy.

"You should rest," he said finally.

"I have rested enough."

"The healer said you collapsed from strain."

"I remember."

He watched me carefully for several seconds.

"You n