"I'm always listening," Rowan replied smoothly. Then, his attention shifted to Liora. "But you're shaking."
She stiffened, realizing too late that her hands trembled against her skirts. She curled them into fists. "I'm fine."
Rowan's brow arched faintly. He didn't press, but his look lingered long enough to make Lucien step forward, subtly angling himself between them.
"Report later," Lucien said, his tone cold and decisive. "For now, we leave."
Rowan inclined his head, though his lips tightened as if holding back words. "As you command."
He melted back into the corridor's shadows, leaving only the two of them again.
Liora swallowed hard, her voice breaking the silence. "Lucien… if Darius was lying, say it. Now. Look at me and deny it."
Lucien's eyes darkened, but he didn't speak.
And the silence cut deeper than any answer.
