The color vanished from his face so fast it was like a curtain being pulled. The smug smile he had been wearing didn't disappear; it just curdled, freezing into a grotesque mask of disbelief. He opened his mouth to argue, but no sound came out—just a dry, rhythmic clicking in his throat as he realized the secret was out. What? How did he find out? Malrik's mind raced with questions as he looked at his elders, who returned his gaze with fear in their eyes.
Valex paused in his step and smirked. "Why the sudden look at each other? Are you shocked?" Malrik laughed, trying to regain the composure he never truly had. "Brother, who has told you this misleading information? My elders and I know nothing of such a thing." Valex's smile widened, this time more evident, as if he had him cornered.
