"It seems our dear last-born has managed to fool everyone," Einar murmured, his tone dripping with quiet disdain. "Most of all, himself."
Magnus flinched, instincts urging him to spin around toward Einar, but the suffocating pressure of Petra standing directly before him rooted him in place. He swallowed hard, keeping his gaze locked on his brother while throwing his voice over his shoulder.
"What do you mean by that?" Magnus demanded, a tremor of defensive anxiety edging his tone.
Einar let the silence linger, taking measured steps until he stood just at the periphery of Magnus's vision, his presence heavy and menacing.
"You seek power just like the rest of us, Magnus," Einar said, his voice a low, raspy drawl. "The true tragedy is that you lack the courage to admit it. Look at you even now, when it is blindingly obvious how far out of your depth you truly are, you still cling desperately to that seat. And you wrap your greed in sweet, pathetic words of unity."
