Von’s Past 2    

Von nodded slowly, his gaze never leaving hers.

Lyra's face fell, eyes darkening with fear. "Eryn will find out, Von. You know how he is—he has eyes and ears everywhere. He'll kill you this time, no hesitation." She gripped her arms tightly, her hands trembling as she spoke.

Von chuckled lightly, brushing off her concern with his usual reckless air. "He can't do anything. The rules of the competition forbid interference—remember? The oath protects us."

Lyra's worry deepened as she shook her head, her voice a whisper. "You don't understand, Von. He doesn't need to break the rules himself. Eryn has connections, powerful ones. He'll send someone else to do the dirty work."

Von only laughed again, but this time it was hollow, laced with the weight of a man who had stared death in the face far too many times.