Veryon's breathing was labored, his eyes darting around as though he expected an attack at any moment. His gaze finally landed on me, softening for a fleeting second before the sharp edge of distrust returned.
"Kiara," he rasped, his voice hoarse. "I don't have time to explain everything, but you need to listen to me."
I stepped back, my fingers tightening around the hilt of my sword. "Veryon, you're hurt—what happened? Let me call Lucius, he can—"
"No!" he snapped, the desperation in his tone stopping me mid-sentence. He clenched his fists, his entire body trembling. "I don't trust him. I don't trust anyone here, Kiara. The only person I trust is you."
His words struck me like a blow, and I struggled to process the weight of them. "Me? Veryon, what are you saying? Lucius and the others have been helping me—protecting me—"
