POV: Silas
Silas found Vessa in the estate library, surrounded by ancient texts that looked like they'd crumble to dust if handled incorrectly. She looked up as he entered, her expression shifting from scholarly concentration to something more guarded.
"Silas," she said, marking her place in the book she'd been reading. "I was wondering when you'd come."
He closed the door behind him with deliberate care. "You've been avoiding me."
"I've been giving you space." Vessa set the book aside. "There's a difference."
"Is there?" Silas moved deeper into the room, his eyes never leaving hers. "Because it feels like you've been waiting for me to ask the question you knew I'd eventually ask."
Vessa was quiet for a long moment. Then: "What do you want to know?"
"Everything." Silas's voice was steady, but his hands were clenched at his sides. "You knew our father. And you've been holding back information about Aldric since the day you arrived here."
"I was protecting you...."
