Jake's heartbeat thundered in his chest as realization dawned—he had been utterly abandoned by Erik.
Stripped of any hope for protection, no backing left to call upon, Jake clenched his fists in bitter frustration and reluctantly took his leave.
As Jake's form vanished into the night, Erik sank to his knees, hands trembling as he clasped them together and began a desperate litany of apologies.
"Core Disciple, I beg forgiveness for my grievous errors. I shouldn't have believed Jake's tales or allowed such slander to poison your hearing."
Rowan's gaze bore into Erik, calm yet razor-sharp.
"Do not pretend I am unaware of your true motives. You nurse a grudge from five years past—a wound to your pride inflicted by Ethan himself. Now, embittered by humiliation, you seek personal vengeance under the guise of justice."
He inclined his head ever so slightly, cold authority tightening every word.
