Dual POV — Lucian / Talia
The moon rose early that night.
Round. Silver. Too bright for a world trying to hide its sins.
Lucian sat beside the campfire with his hood drawn low, the ring clenched in his palm as if it were the only thing anchoring him to the ground. Cassius slept a few yards away, armor stacked neatly at his side, but sleep had never been an option for Lucian tonight.
The bond hummed.
Not loud. Not demanding.
Present.
A steady rhythm beneath his ribs, like a second heartbeat that refused to be ignored.
She was awake.
He closed his eyes and let the fire answer him.
Not command. Not prayer.
A quiet truth sent along the bond.
Show me, love. Just one sign you’re safe.
The flames shifted.
They lifted higher than they should have—steady, controlled, gold deepening in
