[Silthara Palace — Inner Hallway — Continuation]
Silence did not move. It held a heavy, unyielding watch. The question lingered quietly in the air, impossible to ignore.
"Why did you kill my mother?"
No one spoke, not Iru, not Raevahn, and not even Arinaya. Because there were moments within an empire where authority did not answer first—
Truth did.
Levin stood still; his gaze remained on her—small, unshaken, and burning.
"…You believe I killed her." His voice came out quiet, not defensive, not offended, simply… acknowledging.
Nayra's chin lifted slightly.
"You did."
No hesitation, no fear.
"She is gone," Nayra continued, her voice tightening—not breaking, "…and everyone says it was because she offended you."
A pause. Her fingers curled slightly at her sides, small fists holding something far heavier than her years.
"…So I came to ask you."
