Chapter 81

Ralthone's smile fades, replaced by a shadow of darkness that flickers across his face like a candle flame in the wind. "You tread on dangerous ground, Ana Sofia," he warns, his voice a low growl. "Malphus has been gracious to you, to all of us. To question his methods, his motives... it's treason."

Ana fought back her sneer she swallowed her pride and softened her gaze as she peered at the slimy man in front of her, "Why did you do it Ralthone?" 

Ralthone's eyes flicker with surprise at Ana's question, his guard briefly lowered. "Do what?" he asks, his voice a careful measure of curiosity.

Ana takes a step closer, her voice barely above a whisper guided by desire to find answers. "Why did you betray us, Ralthone? Why Daeth?"

His smile returns, but it's a cold, brittle thing, like ice on a winter's morn. Ralthone's gaze hardens as he stares at Ana, the distance between them seeming to stretch like an abyss.