The man lifted one shackled wrist. The metal hissed. "Someone had to take your place. Our father offered the contract, but I'm the one who bound myself to it."
Cain went still.
"What contract?"
A low, dry laugh escaped the man. "The same one that kept you alive. The same one that tied you to a Fallen. The same one that demanded a life—and got mine instead of yours."
Cain took a step back. "We had a father who—"
"Who thought he could outsmart the divine," the man cut in. "Who thought he could protect you. Who thought he could save one son while gambling with the other."
Cain stared, unable to think, unable to breathe.
"What are you to me?" he whispered.
The man held his gaze.
"I'm your brother."
The world cracked.
Cain's voice came out weak. "I don't—how—why—"
"Because you were dying," the man snapped. "Because you were still a baby and he refused to lose you. Because the Fallen wanted a life and I stepped forward before he could finish the bargain."
