Chapter 189

189 Confession, Conditioned

Points

Lucian

I left the room and headed for the right wing. Halfway there, I ran into Darian. I told him everything-every sharp-edged truth-and without hesitation, he fell in step beside me. He wanted to be there when I confronted Martha. He said he’d try to get through to her.

I didn’t say anything at first. Just nodded. But inside, I felt something I hadn’t expected: pride.

My brother-my actual brother-had taken my side. Despite everything. Despite Mara. I knew he still cared about her, but it was different now. Mature. Detached. Like he’d finally seen past the illusion. That meant more to me than I could say. I hoped the bond we were building would last. It felt good-solid. Like something real in the chaos.

We reached Martha’s new room. The door was cracked open, and we walked in without knocking.