Gadis -

“Three days,” she said.

“Untested is what I need,” Arin replied. He stepped closer to Ember, who had not stopped hammering. “The court is full of serpents. They expect a blade from a famous smith—predictable, traced. I want something forged in silence. Something unknown.” “Three days,” she said

“The court tried to poison me yesterday,” he said quietly. “My brother’s wine. My mother’s handkerchief wiped the cup. That is the world I live in.” “The court is full of serpents

Arin was silent for a long moment. Then he drew a small pouch from his cloak. “Payment.” Something unknown

“The invisible kind.”

Today, the Second Prince, Arin, stood at the forge’s entrance. He was not tall, but his presence filled the space like a drawn sword. His silver cloak was immaculate, untouched by the soot that coated every other surface.