The room was quiet as Raphael, Ragnar, Caden, and Luna Zyrah all watched her, like fate depended on the words sitting heavy on her tongue. Ember swallowed, her throat tight. She already knew the answer. She’d known it the second Ragnar helped then and from how he treated and protected his sister. But knowing didn’t make it easier.
She didn’t want to hurt Raphael, not with the way his eyes were pleading and desperate and full of history she still didn’t understand. He was with Kaya when she had being taken to Thorne’s mansion and no doubt protected her too.
But this wasn’t about comfort or friendship or even who came first. This was about who Kaya needed now.
Ember shifted her gaze slowly, locking eyes with Raphael calmly despite the weight in her chest.
“She’ll need someone strong,” sh
