Matthias downed the glass. He didn't feel the burn, only the bitterness lingering in his throat as he locked eyes with Cedric. Cedric's gaze was sunken, filled with a resentment that had rotted over the years until it was the only thing left of him.
"Are you going to keep digging up this carcass forever?" Matthias asked. His voice was flat, dry as breaking wood.
Cedric's jaw locked. His breathing grew heavy, ragged with a rage he could no longer muzzle. "Yes. I'll dig until I take her back. I waited years for her, Matthias. Years. Don't start with that pathetic lie about 'Emperor's orders.' Save the games for someone who doesn't know you. You wanted her. You betrayed me, trading years of brotherhood for a single moment of greed."
Matthias didn't flinch. He reached for the bottle and poured another glass, his hand steady with a chilling precision.
"You were the one who cut the ties, Cedric," Matthias said, watching the liquid settle. "Not me."
