Chapter 88

Ronan’s POV

I had faced so much—emotions, trials, betrayals—but this felt different. The proof was impossible to deny, yet I clung to the hope that it was all a terrible mistake: that Eldra had misread Kaien’s thoughts, or that Kaien had lied to set me on him. I wanted, above all, to believe they were deceiving me.

“I refuse to believe Ronan,” Noctyr said beside me. “She’d never do something like that.” My hands trembled as I tightened my grip on the reins and urged my horse forward.

Kaien pressed ahead through the dense forest, following the scent trail the vampires had left. I was relieved I’d finally followed his lead, even if his tale sounded like madness. My mind fought to reject the truth, spinning tales that would keep my world intact.

“I agree,” I said as we rounded a bend. “But if they’re lying… I won’t hesitate to kill them.” My voice cracked at the end, betraying my fear.

Noctyr’s gaze turned grave. “And if they’re telling the truth?”