Elia’s tone hardened slightly. “If we rush in without a plan, we'll only make matters far worse than it is. Lucien’s fury isn’t something you can outrun Anana and Kade won't just stand by while you take his people. We need to think and move like shadows, not fools.”
Anana exhaled shakily, her eyes darting toward the window. “I can’t just stay here knowing what’s coming…”
“I know,” Elia murmured. “But if you want to save them, you have to be smart. Not reckless.”
Anana’s shoulders slumped, defeat settling into her chest. Finally, she nodded. Elia reached up and guided her down until Anana’s head rested on her lap.
The room was dim, silent except for the soft rhythm of breathing. Elia brushed her fingers gently through Anana’s hair, her expression unreadable as she whispered, almost to h
