Page 17 of The Panther's Price

He didn’t answer right away. Because the truth didn’t fit into clean sentences. Becausehe didn’t know how to explain it.

How her eyes haunted his dreams. How every assassin’s instinct screamedkill her,but his soul—what tattered pieces remained—refused.And that’s why he stood here now trying to save her instead of end her. So, he settled with the only truth he knew for certain.

“Because you’re not ready for the war Thalia’s dragging you into,” he said. “And I’ve seen what happens to people used as pawns in her game.”

Evryn looked toward the trees where Thalia had disappeared. Then back at him.

There was a flicker in her gaze—uncertainty, yes. But also something stronger. Something solid. Trust? Not quite. But somethinglikeit.

“I don’t know you,” she said. “I don’t even know your name.”

“Lucien.”

She blinked again. “Lucien… what?”

“Umbraclaw.”

She stiffened.

He expected that.

“The Queen’s son,” she said.

He was surprised at her knowledge, but then again, she hadn’t lived this long by being kept in complete darkness.

“I didn’t say Ilikedher,” he replied.

A pause.

To his quiet astonishment, she laughed.

It was a small sound. Tired. Almost bitter. But it wasreal.

“I must be losing it,” she murmured. “Following someprince through a haunted forest.”

“You haven’t said yes yet.”

She looked at him, the weight of her choice dancing in her eyes. Then she nodded once. Tight. Final.

“I want answers. If you lie to me…”

“I won’t.”

Evryn looked toward the dark, where Thalia had gone. Then she stepped forward, past the shattered stones, toward him.

“I’m not yours,” she said.

Lucien’s expression didn’t change. But something inside him did.

“I know.” He turned.

And she followed.

EIGHT

EVRYN

They didn’t talk for a while.

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