Willow walked away from the group with steady, controlled steps.
Anyone looking at her would think nothing was wrong.
That she was simply stepping out.
Taking a moment.
Breathing.
But inside—
She was barely holding herself together.
If she stayed—
If she stood there even a second longer—
Listening to Damon speak…
Listening to him say those words—
Calling another woman his mate—
Calling Diana his—
She would break.
And she couldn’t afford to break.
Not here.
Not in front of everyone.
Not in front of her brother.
Because Talon would see it.
He would feel it.
He would know something was wrong.
And the moment he knew—
Everything would stop.
The alliance.
The negotiations.
The fragile peace they were trying to build.
Talon would choose her.
Without hesitation.
He woul
