"His existence complicates things considerably. A male Blackthorne heir, raised by the Northern Alliance, suddenly appearing with powers that rival your own?" Richard shook his head. "Many are... concerned about where his loyalties truly lie."
"His loyalties are with his family," I said firmly. "With me."
"You've known him for less than a week," Margaret pointed out gently. "That's hardly enough time to..."
"I know him," I interrupted, feeling Diamond's agreement pulse through me. "Our blood connection is deeper than time. Apollo and Diamond recognised each other the moment they met. Whatever the Northern Alliance tried to make him, Lucious is a Blackthorne. He belongs with us."
"Then perhaps he should be present for these discussions," Alpha Maxwell suggested diplomatically. "So the o
