Nate's eyes darted through the crowd, scanning every face, every movement, searching for Tiaa—but she was nowhere to be found.
He turned his head toward the tunnels, wondering if she had stepped outside for air. It would make sense—most people wouldn't be able to stomach the sight before them. The thick, iron scent of beast blood filled the underground chamber, and the sounds of bodies being dragged, chains rattling, and low murmurs of the gathered kings created an unsettling atmosphere.
If she had left to escape the horror, he wouldn't blame her.
He took a slow breath.
If she wanted space, then he wouldn't go after her.
Right now, his focus was here.
His hands remained at his sides, his expression unreadable as he told himself—I won't interfere.
Not now.
Not ever.
This was their history.
No matter how much he wanted to step in, no matter how wrong it all seemed—this wasn't his world. He had already made his decision.
He wouldn't change anything.
