POV: Alex
The moment Elara spoke the truth, something in me snapped.
Not broke.
Not bent.
Snapped.
I felt it like a blade sliding into my spine and locking into place.
War.
They had marked Riley’s child.
They had marked my nephew.
And that meant one thing.
There would be no mercy left in this world.
Riley was still on the floor, clutching Damieon to her chest as if her own body could shield him from fate itself. Her tears were silent now—those were always the most dangerous kind.
I crossed the room and dropped to my knees in front of her, ignoring everyone else.
“They won’t take him,” I said quietly.
Riley looked up at me, eyes shattered. “Alex… they tied his life to Arken.”
“Then Arken’s life is no longer negotiable,” I replied.
Elara’s voice trembled behind me. “Queen Ale
