-LILIAN-
The silence of the council chambers after Lyra's banishment was heavy, filled with unspoken questions and new understanding. Alexander's gaze found mine, a silent acknowledgement of the battle won, and the new ground gained. He had made good on his promise. He had publicly declared me his equal, his mate. The weight of that title, once a symbol of my captivity, now felt like a heavy cloak, both empowering and daunting.
The rest of the council meeting passed in a blur. I sat beside Alexander, absorbing the strange dynamic. Pack matters were discussed – border patrols, resource allocation, diplomatic messages to other territories. I listened, my mind working to grasp the complexities of his world.
Occasionally, Alexander would glance at me, a subtle check, a shared look that wasn
