Chapter 321

DEREK’S POV The night hung heavy between us, thick with words neither of us wanted to say. The hearthlight flickered low, throwing golden shadows across Aurelia’s face — pale, distant, unreadable. I’d faced armies with less fear than I felt now, standing in front of her. But I had to start somewhere. I drew a deep breath. “What Micah said… about the rogue. About what happened out there.” She didn’t move. Didn’t even blink. I took another step closer, searching her expression. “Was it true?” Nothing. Just silence. My patience cracked. “Aurelia, answer me. How did that rogue die?” Her eyes flicked up — only for a second — then she turned her face away. That small, quiet refusal burned more than any words could have. I exhaled slowly, forcing my voice not to rise. “You’re not making this easier.” Still nothing. Her silence was its own weapon — a wall between us, built out of the betrayal I’d created. And for the first time, I realized just how deep that wound ran. “I was being selfish,” I