Lily's mother pursed her lips, her brow furrowing with concern. The room seemed to darken, shadows creeping in at the edges as she spoke the words Lily had been dreading to hear:
"If he's here, we can assume he wants to force Lily into a bond again."
A chill ran down Lily's spine, icy tendrils of fear gripping her heart. The warmth of Caspian's arms around her suddenly felt like a fragile shield against the looming threat. She closed her eyes, inhaling his comforting scent of sandalwood and spice, trying to ground herself in the present moment.
"No," Lily whispered, her voice barely audible. "I won't let him."
But even as the words left her lips, doubt gnawed at her. Memories of Gideon's relentless pursuit flooded her mind - his obsessive determination, the predatory glint in his eyes.
