For a heartbeat, Daeron simply stared at her.
Then he laughed. Laughed so hard he almost choked.
The sound echoed through the chamber—low, disbelieving, edged with mockery as he leaned back against the table, one hand braced on the wood as if the idea itself amused him.
"Aurelia?" he said, still smiling . Rolling the name on his tongue like it tasted strange. "That's your great revelation? You expect me to believe that she will end the world?"
Seraphielle did not react, nor did she smile. She wasn't irritated by his tone, nor did she take offense.
Her stillness unsettled him more than anger would have.
"Yes," she said calmly. The single word landed heavier than any speech. "Aurelia Flameborne."
Daeron shook his head, chuckling as he reached for the wine again. "You witches truly have a flair for drama." He lifted the goblet, studying the dark liquid as it sloshed against the rim.
