Daria's POV

The warrior, masked, remained motionless, one erroneous motion on his side and I would attack.

I kept my blade low but ready. "Speak," I said. "Slowly."

He nodded. "My name is Kael," he said. I vowed to Lucius much earlier than Rylan came to power.

Harriet shifted behind me. I could feel her fear, as a little fire, on my back.

Kael stared at her and hurriedly turned his head. "I won't hurt the child," he said. "I swear it's in my blood."

"Words are easy," I replied.

"I know," he said quietly. "That's why I came with proof."

Again he reached his cloak. My magic flashed, which...