Vencian waited, keeping his expression neutral. Whatever came next would set the tone for everything that followed.
The older man continued, "She said you saved her life. For that, I'm grateful."
"I did what was necessary," Vencian said.
Larion leaned back slightly. "She mentioned more than that. About your agreement. And the promise you made to her before leaving Coriel."
Vencian watched his expression, calm but searching. "Which part of it?"
"The one concerning her nature," Larion said. "She told me you learned what she is. And that you chose silence."
Vencian didn't reply. The words sank in with quiet weight. He had expected gratitude, perhaps warning, but not this.
Larion's gaze sharpened. "You assured her you wouldn't tell the Crown she's an Arkspren."
There it was. Spoken aloud. A crime in itself.
He said nothing. Silence said more.
Larion's voice lowered. "You understand what that means. Harboring such knowledge makes you complicit. I would like to know why."
