"But we'd like you to consider another option as well," Maison continued. "One that doesn't require choosing between your heritage and your passion."
I looked between them suspiciously. "What option?"
"A restaurant," Jackson said. "Here, within the merged territories. Your own space to create whatever cuisine you want, with no limitations."
"Merged territories?" I echoed.
Maison nodded. "The Steel and Graystone lands share a border. An alliance through mating would unite them, creating the strongest territory in the region. Your restaurant could be at the heart of it."
The idea sparked something I hadn't felt in a long time—possibility. Not just escape, but creation. Building something that was mine while still honouring where I came from.
"You've thought this through," I said cautio
