Lila’s POV
We left the safety of our chambers with Tobi practically buzzing beside me, eager to find his parents. He was walking with purpose, a rare calm confidence in his stride. I should have shared in his joy, but instead, my insides twisted in knots.
I didn’t know why I was nervous. I’d already been marked. This was just a ring—an official title added to something that already bound us soul-deep. And yet... every step closer to Wren and Catherine’s office made my heart thud harder. The pit of my stomach churned—not dread, not fear exactly, but something foreign and unwelcome.
So lost in thought, I didn’t realize I’d stopped walking until Tobi reached for my hand.
“What’s wrong?” he asked gently, his dark brows drawing together as he scanned my face.
“Nothing,” I said too quickly.
