The war room hummed with restrained violence.
Torches burned low against the stone walls, their flames snapping softly as if they, too, sensed the tension coiled in the air. Maps littered the table before Lucian—inked patrol routes, border breaches, reports of rogues pressing closer than they had in decades. The kingdom was holding, but only just.
Lucian stood at the head of the table, posture carved from command. His presence alone quieted the room.
Talia remained at his side, close enough to feel the heat of him, far enough to feel alone. One hand rested instinctively at the faint swell beneath her ribs. Kaela paced inside her, restless, hackles raised.
Too many eyes. Too much hunger.
Lucian’s blue gaze swept the assembled warriors. “You are the best we have,” he said. “Every one of
