"Yours."
Arion did not move.
Elias held his gaze for several seconds before continuing, apparently understanding that the answer required considerably more explanation than a single word could provide.
"The imperial line carried it before. Not constantly, and not in every generation, but often enough that the infected recognized the blood even when there was nobody capable of controlling them. That was why the beasts kept approaching the imperial territories instead of dispersing permanently into the mountains."
Arion's thoughts immediately moved to Theodore.
Theodore, whose eyes had opened completely black before changing to gold.
Theodore, who had inherited something Victor had already concluded was woven into Arion deeply enough to become part of his biology.
Arion kept his expression still.
"You said the ability can pass through the bloodline."
"It does."
