White Feather raised one brow upon hearing my claims.
"A trap… for you? Why would we do that?"
She let out a breath through her nose, more exasperation than anything.
"With all due respect, Sir Cade, I didn't even know you existed until a few minutes ago."
I studied her. Her posture, the set of her jaw.
"So… you didn't hear some nonsense news about a new Sovereign."
She held my gaze without flinching.
"While it may look like the Archipelago is a hub of information, that information is usually too costly. I'm not in the condition to chase rumors. So no, I did not know about the appearance of a new Sovereign… until a few minutes ago."
I let the silence sit for a few seconds. Then my gaze settled back on her and my sword shifted slightly forward.
"But there's something you know and are holding from me. So spill. Starting with the origin of what you are."
White Feather hesitated. A curse slipped beneath her lips, barely audible.
