Page 206 of Severed Heir

“Verdonia used to be all seasons,” he continued. “Before the king’s snake-wielding bloodline was thrown out of power and banned from the Continent, gifts and powers were granted to children. But it wasn’t kind. Shadows spooled from sons, flames from daughters. They divided the land by powers, calling it Severed Quelling.”

He continued, “Cleminore couldn’t control it all—shadows, flame, wind. So, she created the Serpent academy, bringing together the strongest from all realms to become rulers. Leaders are made, not born.”

“And six leaders were chosen at the academy?”

He nodded. “Six gods were made after the blood mass, but the Forgotten killed them all. Where their blood dripped, it tainted the land. Ice barriers, flame shields. The lands needed rulers.”

I inhaled sharply. “It started with six.”

Archer’s voice softened. “And it ends how it began. An heir from each realm to fight in a trial. The Forgotten have been taking lands back, piece by piece. A nomad is reborn with every loss… eventually that land will have all six realms in it.”

“Monty and you... if you die?” I couldn’t bring myself to finish the question. “Are you going to fight in this trial?”

“The king did not transfer your title for no reason. He did it so I could have the chance to ensure you survive and claim it. Trust me, that man might be old, but I knew exactly what he was doing when he agreed with Hadrian.”

“I am strong enough on my own.”

“You are, but we are in this together.”

“What happens if Demetria falls?”

“If I die, and no one is there to uphold the shields, the stars will be stripped from the lands. The realms would fall, and with it, all the life that’s left.” He looked away. “Demetria needs an heir, and I can’t stand back and watch you fight in this trial by yourself.”

I wanted to argue, but his words hung heavy. “Then we will fight and survive it together. Whenever it comes.”

I wished for years in the quiet between—but in my chest, I knew this trialwould come sooner.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

The country of Wrathi was all too familiar. Everything here was pristine and orderly. The buildings were made of polished stone, trimmed streets, and citizens whose lives seemed meticulously structured. Even the ocean appeared calm, as if held still by some unseen force and commanded to behave.

We dismounted Naraic and Tansia at the shore, the dragons’ wings folding neatly against their sides. I gave Naraic a gentle pat along his flank. “Be nice to her,” I murmured.

He gave a low, knowing hum.“I respect my elders. Tansia is one of the oldest dragons of our kind. She does a favor for Ciaran.”

“This isn’t a favor,”I muttered.“Archer severed his bond with her.”

“Archer is the son of a conniving man,”Naraic said, his tone darkening.“I believe he might be one step ahead—whatever that may mean.”

I frowned.“What do you mean?”

“Go meet Hadrian, Severyn. We’ll discuss this later.”His voice shifted, closing the bond.

Frustration curled through me.“I don’t want you keeping secrets.”

“No secrets. Just a ward that keeps me from discussing the elders,”Naraic replied, and then he turned, leaving me with more questions than answers.

Archer took my hand as we made our way toward the estate. Even the stone path beneath our boots felt too perfect.Too still.

“This place feels like a prison,” I said under my breath. “Or a death sentence.”

Archer gave a dry smile. “Hadrian Sinclair is nothing if not structured. Civilians here work in shifts of three. We’ve arrived just in time for tea break.”

“Tea break? They are told when to rest?” I scanned the empty streets. “Shouldn’t they be in mourning for their heir?”

“Thisismourning,” Archer said, his eyes sweeping the quiet square. “You’ll replace him... but first, you must—”

“Prove I’m worthy,” I cut in, heat rising in my chest.

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