Page 124 of A Court of Wings and Shadows

“And deepening his hold,” Zander muttered. “That’s a concern.”

“It’s more than that,” Dorian admitted, voice low. “Some of the nobles are already whispering. Suggesting Theron should be next in line. That he’s ‘better suited’ for leadership. That he has the political mind for it.”

Zander’s eyes flickered, not with fear, but fury. A pulse of black cut through the lavender, that telltale ripple of Dark Fire when he was barely holding back.

“He is not the heir apparent,” Zander said coldly. “You are. Their opinion is irrelevant. And the king, our line, has always been a rider. Theron lacks dragon magic. He wasn’t chosen.”

“I am aware,” Dorian said, calm despite the tightness in his shoulders. “And I don’t yet understand how he intends to seize power. He doesn’t have the military… not yet. He doesn’t have a dragon. And he doesn’t have our father’s blessing.”

“But he has the court,” I murmured. “And in a kingdom like this? That’s enough to start a war.”

Zander said nothing.

But I could see it in his jaw, in the way his hands curled into fists.

He knew I was right.

And so did Dorian.

“There is more,” Dorian said, his voice dropping into a murmur as he stepped closer, glancing down the corridor toensure we were alone. His posture was tight, controlled, but the flicker in his eyes gave him away.

“Rumors swirl that something is wrong within the guilds,” he continued. “Not just favoritism or political infighting, deeper. There are whispers of corruption. Of manipulation.”

“Of who?” Zander asked, his lavender gaze sharp.

“No names,” Dorian said. “But the whispers keep circling the same idea—someone is influencing cadets with latent magic. Not all of them, but enough. The theory is that someone,orsome group, is testing how far they can push certain riders. Seeing what kind of magic they can draw out. How far they’ll go.”

“Sounds like blood magic,” I said softly. “But that’s outlawed.”

Dorian met my gaze. “It’s only outlawed if they admit they’re doing it. But again, these are rumors, and who knows what they are looking for.”

Zander’s lips pressed into a line. “You think it’s coming from inside the guilds?”

“I don’twantto,” Dorian said. “But the way the Inquisitor is asking questions… the way certain nobles are shifting loyalties, especially in the Fourth Guild... it feels too orchestrated. And then there are the assignments, sending prospects into dangerous situations, especially those from commoner bloodlines. That is unheard of.”

I frowned. “They’re looking for a reaction. For something to snap.Or a certain magic to manifest.”

“Exactly,” Dorian said. “And if they’re manipulating riders, especially those who haven’t completed their bond... they might be hoping to create something volatile. Something powerful.”

“Or something they can control,” Zander added grimly.

I shivered, the existence of Kaelith’s presence reminding me I wasn’t alone, even if she was currently hunting.

“Whatever they’re doing,” I said, “they’re setting us up like chess pieces. And I don’t think we want to find out what happens when we fall.”

Dorian nodded. “No.”

Zander touched my shoulder. “Can you give me a moment with Dorian. I want to discuss my father in private.”

“Of course,” I said and moved down the hallway until I heard two men speaking.

Zander and Dorian stood a few paces from me, deep in quiet discussion, their postures sharp, brows furrowed as they exchanged words I couldn’t quite make out. I let their voices fade into the background, not out of disrespect, but because something else caught my attention.

I stopped as the subtle scrape of armor echoed just around the corner.

Guards.

I stayed where I was, quiet and still, turning just slightly so I could listen. I couldn’t see them, but I didn’t need to. They were mid-shift change, judging by the lazy pacing and the relaxed cadence in their voices. No urgency. Just idle chatter.