Page 177 of Severed Heir

“How would you know?” I shot back sharply.

“Because I searched her.”

“What else? We both know you have no morals or sense of consent.”

Rok lifted a brow. “That’s quite an accusation, Severyn.”

I clenched my jaw, staring at Callum’s frosted palms. “Siphon it, and you’ll see what he tried to do to me at the academy.” Although, Rok had hinted that he knew already.

“Enough,” barked Callum. “This is bullshit. I didn’t touch Herring or the false heir.”

“Test his quell,” I hissed again. “Mine was.”

Rok tried to hide his smirk. “Severyn’s right. All the heirs should have their quells tested. We don’t know whose working for who. But demanding we test a guard is not your call.”

Unexpectedly, Kian spoke up. “That seems like a waste of time, not to mention a sure way to anger them more.”

“I didn’t have a damn choice!” I yelled. “Test Callum’s quell, test everyone in this damn institute.”

Charles crossed his arms. “I have no opposition.”

Callum said, “A runaway criminal is on the loose, and you’re berating me? This is a fucking joke, right?” A chuckle forced past his clenched teeth. “Better call your father’s heir. He was the one who demanded I torture her.”

Charles blinked. “Torture?” His voice was low. “What exactly are you saying, Callum?”

“You heard me,” Callum snapped. “I was following orders. Bridger wanted her dead, so we did what we had to do break her. She survived.”

“Orders,” I spat. “Is that what you call what happened in the ice trials?”

Rok let out a breath. “She’s not lying.”

Charles turned away for a moment, like he couldn’t look at either of us. “Fraser, take Toni with you. Head to the Serpent Academy and see if Malachi went there. Rok, reel in all the heirs. Severyn’s right, if her quell was tested, we can’t assume the others don’t have connections to the Forgotten. Someone is feeding them information from inside our guarded walls.”

Somehow, it worked. Damien would have his quell tested. I would finally know the truth about what happened that night.

But the seeds of suspicion still lingered. They’d been planted months ago in a brother who’d once been warned about the future heir of his father’s land. Especially now, after Callum admitted that he and Bridger had tortured me.

Rok let out a low whistle and nudged his chin in my direction. “Come on, false heir. You’re my priority now that Lorna’s out cold.”

I followed him toward the center of camp. Shouts rang out from across the cabins, followed by the sound of boots scraping against dirt. Then Caius stumbled into view, flanked by guards on either side of him.

“Get your iced hands off me for the last time,” he snapped, wrenching his arm free. “This is ridiculous. Who the hell is even in charge here?”

Rok cleared his throat from the edge of the clearing, towering half a head above Caius.

Caius faltered, a rasp catching in his throat as he took a step back. “Is no one going to address that this is treason? Where is my father?”

“Your father is quite content with you fulfilling your duty to the Continent,” Rok replied coolly. “Do you not wish to live a life of honor? Wasn’t your land attacked only three days ago?”

Caius scoffed, then stammered, “Yes, and? What use is honor if I’m dead and withered from eating stale oats?”

Rok raised his siphon-marked hand. “Everyone will form a line. Your quells will be tested to ensure they’ve not been corrupted by the Forgotten’s dark will. Mental quells go first.”

Damien arched a brow. “I suppose I’m first, seeing as I’m the only one with a mental quell.”

“Tough luck,” Rok replied. “But your quell is the most lethal. During the Forgotten era, it was known as the secret keeper.”

Damien offered a faint smile. “I have no secrets. But I’d prefer not to be harmed… should something about someone else come to light.” His gaze flicked to me, lingering just long enough to sting, before drifting back to Rok.

---