The conversation of the previous evening with her mother echoed in Solus' ears, making her turn to look at Menadion. Solus' eyes met Ripha's, and the First Ruler of the Flames gave her a knowing look as her lips turned into a gloating smirk.
"Good." Valeron nodded from his crib, and no one missed the first break in the silence between the boy and Lith.
Valeron was still angry and hurt, but he didn't want anything bad to happen to Solus. He wanted her to be safe and himself to be free to resent her for as long as he wanted.
"What's your next move, dear?" Elina asked.
"I have no next move, Mom." Lith sighed. "I'm playing defense now. I have no idea what Meln will do next or how many Awakened still believe him. I can only prepare for the next attack the best I can and ensure that only the most foolish Awakened put their lives on the line on a maybe."
***
