Chapter 99: Vipers and Thorns
The fire flickered in the hearth, casting long shadows across the room but the warmth did little to dispel the chill coursing through Cassian's amethyst eyes. Cassian stood rigid by the window, arms crossed, his back to Valeria. His jaw was tight, and the tension in his shoulders betrayed his unease. Valeria sat by the fire, her sapphire-blue eyes fixed on the flames.
"Don't you think Orinthia went too far?" Valeria finally asked, Her voice soft.
Cassian turned, his amethyst eyes narrowing. "She didn't go far enough. Alaric has been waiting for an excuse to move against us. If Orinthia hadn't shut him down, others would've joined his cause. She probably wanted to protect Orion."
Valeria frowned, her gaze hardening "Protect him? Or use him?" Her voice rose slightly. "She named Orion the 18th heir, Cassian. That isn't just a title—it's a target. She's basically painted a mark on our son's back."
Cassian's jaw clenched, and before sighing deeply. "The family doesn't work in half-measures. Orion is part of the family whether we like it or not."
Valeria stood, her eyes blazing in the firelight. "And what has this family ever given you? It took everything from you! Your childhood? Your peace? You spent your childhood training to be a weapon for this family. Is that what you want for him? To grow up never knowing peace?" Her voice trembled, but her resolve was clear.
Cassian knelt beside her, his gaze steady and full of quiet intensity. "You think I don't want more for him?" He shook his head. "But the world isn't kind to dreamers, Val. If he isn't strong, he'll be crushed. And we need the family to help him become strong."
Valeria's gaze softened, though her voice didn't lose its edge. "We teach him not just how to survive, but also how to live. Remember, he is not just a Reyes."
Cassian reached for her hand, his voice low. "And if the family doesn't like that?"