Cruel Progress

MAEVIA

I stayed frozen where I stood after Gorven spoke. Something about the way he looked at me unsettled me more than the bodies near the sanctum entrance or Malakai kneeling beside the throne.

He did not look surprised to see me.

He looked like someone waiting for something overdue.

"The heir finally returned home," Gorven repeated calmly. "Darklake has waited long enough."

Torin stepped slight