Although my chest still throbs from the close call we just had, being near Zella is helping to dull the pain. Silas has already wrapped his neck in white bandages, but red bleeds through.

I sigh, because we’ve come to an impasse. “Silas, we can’t go on like this.”

Nodding, he says, “You could let me be king. It’s my turn.”

“It’s not about taking turns,” I bark, frustrated. “Besides, after what I learned tonight… I don’t trust you anymore.”

“You’re just mad because I’m capable of making tough decisions.”

“You’re ruthless,” I shoot back. “You know what you did was wrong, or else you would’ve told Tehya. Isn’t that right?”

A flash of regret passes over his face, and for a second, I see the brother I used to love. “I didn’t mean for the plague to spread the way it did. I thought it would only affect the royals, not the entire Day Realm.” He glances at Zella. “I am sorry I caused you pain, but your family started it.”

“You both need to stop!” Zella yells. The words are projected so loudly, a nearby window shatters.

Her outburst has me surprised. I’ve seen her angry, confused, and sad before. But I’ve never heard her sound so commanding. It’s sexy.

Flustered, she huffs. “Let’s forget about the past for a second—I’ll get to that in a minute. I didn’t come all this way to watch my mate die. I don’t want to see more families slaughter each other.” She jabs a finger at Silas. “You might not care about me, but think about your wife. Tehya and I had to stand there and watch you two try to kill each other. It’s completely senseless.”

“I don’t know how you do things in your realm, but challenges between siblings are common,” Silas argues with a patronizing tone. “Encouraged, even. Nothing like some healthy competition to keep things entertaining.”

“This was more than an innocent challenge. An iron spike, Silas?” Zella narrows her eyes. “Really?”

“She’s right,” Tehya says sadly, looking at her husband with disappointment. “You and I have much to discuss, dear.”

At least my brother has the decency to look ashamed.

“Now who has issues to work through?” I mutter, earning a sharp glance from him.

Ever the voice of reason, Zella waves her hands as if she can make our pettiness disappear. “Silas, I’m sure you’re just as capable as Keryth, but prosperity is more important. If you can’t get along, divide the territory. Then you’ll both be kings.”

“What do you mean?” Silas asks hesitantly.