The Past, an Intrusion, and Lashing Out (3/3)

"I will explain this one time only. Believe me or don't." Wren leveled his gaze at Mallin, silencing the retort that was forming on his tongue with a single look.

"Your *Master* tricked me into killing Sacha. He used him as a pawn to weaken me, then goaded me into losing control of my magic. Ciprian orchestrated Sacha's death so that his version of reality made sense and was pleased with himself for doing so. *He* is the real reason your brother is gone. *He* is the true murderer."

Mallin stumbled backwards as if Wren had struck him. For the briefest instant, every trace of emotion flickered out of his face, leaving nothing but the shocked blue sparkle of his eyes.

"You said you saw us together. Do you think that I would ever want to kill him?" The sadness in Wren's voice weighed it down. "I would show you exactly what happened the way I showed Lysander, but I've decided to put that memory to rest."