It was the heat that betrayed me.
We had been traveling south for hours, the sun climbing higher in the sky. Sweat clung to my skin, my breath growing shallow. The itch beneath my armor became unbearable, then painful. I clenched my jaw, pushing forward, refusing to falter.
Then the burning began.
It spread across my chest like wildfire, the curse mark searing against my skin. My vision blurred. I stumbled.
"Lavina?" One of the soldiers turned. "You all right?"
I forced a nod. "Keep moving."
But Varlen saw. His sharp gaze lingered on me longer than it should have. I straightened, forcing the pain down, pretending I didn't see the knowing look in his eyes.
Nightfall couldn't come soon enough. When we made camp, I retreated from the others, slipping into the trees. The air was cooler, but the mark still burned.
"You're hiding something."
Varlen's voice cut through the quiet. I turned to find him leaning against a tree, arms crossed.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't insult me." He stepped closer, his voice low. "I've trained soldiers my whole life. I know when one of them is in pain. What is it?"
I hesitated. This was a secret I had guarded for years. But Varlen was no fool, and if I collapsed in battle, it wouldn't just be my life at risk.
Slowly, I pulled my tunic down, exposing the dark sigil etched into my skin.
Varlen's expression didn't change, but I saw the shift in his posture. "How long?"
"Since Windmere. Or at least, that's when I first noticed."
"And the heat?"
"Triggers it." I exhaled. "I can't eat hot food. Can't bathe in warm water. The sun… it burns."
Varlen was silent for a long time. Then, to my surprise, he smirked. "That explains the night training."
I arched a brow. "You knew?"
"Suspected. Didn't have proof until now."
I pulled my tunic back up, crossing my arms. "And now that you do?"
Varlen's smirk faded. "You tell the King. Or I will."