Seraphine's POV
Ending the negotiations was anything but quick. The fact that Kian officially acknowledged the completeness of the bond and the strength of my recovery eased the tension somewhat, but the Khan’s message placed a new weight on our shoulders.
The Khan—whose alliance Darius wished to strengthen—was cautious. In his message he expressed his respect for the marking, but set a condition: he expected the Luna’s presence at the upcoming Long Night celebration, a gathering to be held on neutral ground. This wasn’t a simple meeting; it would be a public display before rival packs and the Guardian Alliance.
“It’s a trap,” Cassian remarked, rocking back on the legs of his chair at the edge of the table. “Or at least an assessment. They’re testing how strong you are, and whether the
