ALARIC'S POV
"Then what am I to you?" She asked, making me stop within a pace of her.
"You are present," I said. "And your presence has consequences you do not yet understand."
"Then explain them."
"There are forces moving beneath this realm," I replied, my voice lower now, less distant. "Currents that would tear through stone and blood alike to claim what they believe is owed. You stand closer to that storm than you realize, Dove. My restraint is not indifference. It is calculation."
She did not respond immediately.
Before either of us could speak again, a knock sounded at the chamber doors, making me return to my seat.
"Greetings, High Lord." A guard acknowledged.
"You may speak," I said.
There was the soft rustle of fabric as the guard lowered himself.
"It is time."
The words did not strike me with surprise. They settled into me like something long expected finally arriving.
