Nyx's Pov

Guilt spread across his expression like a shadow. His jaw tightened, his eyes softened, but the weight in them gave me the answer I already feared. My chest felt heavy, and I swallowed hard, the words trembling in my throat.

“How much, Caspian?” I repeated, sharper this time.

He opened his mouth, his voice low. “Nyx…”

“No.” I cut him off. I shook my head, my hands curling into fists at my sides. “Don’t call my name like that. Don’t try to soothe me. I need the truth. I need to know. I have a right to know.”

His lips pressed together. For a long moment, silence stretched...