LILA’S POV
The forest was quiet, but it wasn’t peaceful. Not really. The air hung heavy with smoke and the lingering scent of burnt leaves. My wings drooped, still weak from the mental assault. Every fiber of my being ached, and yet, I could feel it the pulse of life, of loyalty, of hope, threading through the camp.
Nathan was beside me, his hand never leaving mine. The warmth of his touch grounded me, but even his golden aura flickered in uncertainty. “Lila… you can’t keep pushing yourself like this,” he said softly, voice strained. “You’ve barely recovered, and… and yet you’re already planning the next move.”
I shook my head, trying to smile. “I have to. If I don’t… then everything we fought for, everyone we saved… it’ll mean nothing. The rejected mates… they need a leader. They need
