LIORA
Ronan’s rejection struck the bond before the final word stopped echoing.
Pain tore across my chest, then drove lower.
I folded one arm over my abdomen.
The command still held me in place. My feet would not move. Each breath came shallow, as though an iron band had closed around my ribs.
The Conclave representative lifted his silver rod.
“The declaration has been made. The bond will not sever until the rejection is acknowledged.”
Ronan stood several feet away, pale beneath the ceremonial lights.
“Release the command,” I said.
His mouth tightened. “I need a clear answer.”
“You already have one.”
“Liora...”
“Release me.”
The pressure increased instead.
Not enough to throw me to the floor.
Enough to remind my body that his authority still lived inside the bond.
Another cr
