Page 132 of A Court of Thralls and Thorns

My stomach twisted. “Remy would never...”

But the words felt hollow. The man I knew, the man IthoughtI loved, had been a lie. And if there was one thing assassins were good at... it was deception.

“He’s being watched,” Tae added. “That’s why the major is on edge. He trained Remand himself. It’s also why Warborn’s keeping their distance.”

“Then why is he still alive?” Zander’s voice was low, dangerous.

“Because there’s no proof,” Tae said. “And he’s still a lieutenant.”

I swallowed hard, feeling cold despite the warmth of the room. “If he betrayed the crown... if he’s working for the Blood Fae...”

“Then he’s as good as dead,” Zander finished grimly.

Zander’s hand lingered on my side, his touch warm even through the thin material of my shirt. Riven stood abruptly from her bed, crossing her arms.

“What’s the deal between you and Remand?” Her gaze flicked from me to Zander. “It’s obvious you have history.”

Zander gave a small nod. “We do. And while I find it unlikely he betrayed Major Kaler, I don’t trust him.”

“Why do you think he’s loyal to the major?” Riven pressed.

“Because Remand was raised by him,” Zander said grimly. “He displayed an unnatural level of talent early in his career. The major... recruited him when he was twelve.”

“How do you get recruited at twelve?” Naia asked.

“You kill,” I whispered.

Zander’s gaze shifted to me, dark and heavy with understanding. “Exactly.”

The room fell quiet. Then Zander cleared his throat. “We have a new trial in half an hour. Major Ledor hasn’t said which one.” He paused, his focus settling on me. “Can I speak to you outside for a second, Ashe?”

I nodded and followed him out the door. The air outside was brisk, biting my skin, but Zander’s body seemed to warm the space between us.

“Do you trust Remand?” His voice was low, quiet.

I exhaled slowly. “I don’t know. He went by Remy Cole when I knew him, and so far... everything has been a lie.”

Zander moved a step closer. “I’m not sure his feelings for you were.”

I laughed bitterly. “What does it matter now? I’ll never trust him.”

“Good,” Zander said. His eyes flickered with something I couldn’t name. Pride? Relief?

He shifted closer, the space between us nearly gone. His hand slid from my side to rest against my waist, fingers pressing lightly. My pulse stuttered as he leaned in. His breath brushed my cheek, and the air seemed to thin, like everything in the world was narrowing to just him.

I couldn’t think. Couldn’t breathe.

His lips hovered just above mine, so close I could feel the heat radiating from him. His fingers tightened slightly against my waist, anchoring me in place. For one heartbeat, I thought he was going to close the distance.

“For what it’s worth,” he murmured, voice rough, “I trustyou.”

Then he stepped back, breaking whatever spell had held me still. Cold air rushed in where his warmth had been, leaving me feeling unsteady.

“I’ll see you at the trial,” he said before walking away, his steps slow and deliberate.

I stood there a moment longer, trying to quell the wild thrum of my heart.

Chapter