Damon
“My King. You need to come. Isabella’s been seen inside the palace grounds.” Ronan’s voice cut through the intimate moment like a blade.
Lila froze in my arms. The firelight still danced on her skin, her hand still pressed against my chest—but the warmth between us vanished in an instant. I felt it like a door slamming shut.
I exhaled slowly and looked toward the door, jaw tightening. I hadn’t heard Isabella’s name in weeks. Not since I dismissed her from the palace under cover of discretion—no public disgrace, no spectacle. I thought it would be enough.
Apparently, it wasn’t.
Lila stepped back, her brow furrowing. “Did he say—”
“Yes.” I turned to face her fully, gently brushing her hair back behind one ear. “I need to deal with this.”
Her gaze searched mine, not panicked,
