I froze. For a heartbeat I truly thought I had misheard him.
After everything that had happened… every accusation thrown out… every lie woven… every piece of "proof" laid before us — that was his question?
Not Did you do it?
Not Why betray me?
Not Is it true?
Only — Why didn't you tell me?
My lips parted, yet no sound came out. Air felt too heavy to draw in.
Draven leaned back slightly, shoulders shifting with slow restraint, eyes never leaving mine.
"Didn't you trust me enough to speak?"
That question landed heavier than any accusation ever could. There was no sharp anger in it — only deep disappointment. And somehow, that hurt far worse, cutting deeper than rage ever might.
"I…" My voice cracked thin. I swallowed hard against the lump rising high. "I wanted to. Truly I did."
He remained silent, waiting, patient and terrible all at once, until I forced myself to go on.
