The breach pulsed behind them, a wound in the world that breathed.
Lucian stood at its edge, watching the colors shift and swirl. Then he turned to his father.
"Explain."
Alistair met his gaze. He looked older now, the strain of holding the line for so long etched into every line of his face. "What do you want me to explain?"
"Everything." Lucian's voice was flat. "The Outer Gods. The breach. Why you didn't come to me sooner. Why you let Lucy fight alone down here. Everything."
Lucy tugged gently on Althea's hand. "Come on."
Althea looked at her, then at Lucian. "I should—"
"Let them talk," Lucy said softly. "They need to. And you and I need to talk too."
Althea hesitated. Lucian caught her eye and gave a small nod. Go. It's fine.
