[Imperial Forest —On the Road to the Temple—Lavinia's POV]
The forest still smelled of smoke and scorched earth, though the last assassin's body had already been dragged away by the knights. The air should have been lighter now, relieved of danger. But instead, it pressed down heavier than ever.
Not because of the vipers in silk. Not because of the crown I would soon wear.
But because of Rey.
He stood there, his palm still faintly warm from where it had rested on my shoulder, his eyes flickering with something he hadn't meant to show. Something raw. Something dangerous.
"Who are you, Rey?" My voice was sharper than I intended, the question clawing through my chest like a restless beast.
He froze, the usual careless curve of his mouth faltering, his composure cracking like porcelain.
