LILA’S POV
The morning air was crisp, filled with the scent of wet earth and pine. I stood at the edge of our newly claimed territory, golden wings folding lightly against my back, eyes scanning the horizon. Every movement of the forest, every whisper of the wind, carried the subtle tension of anticipation. Ryker was out there, watching, waiting, probing for weaknesses. I could feel it, the shadow of him pressing against the edges of my mind.
Nathan appeared beside me silently, as if he had grown into the very rhythm of the forest. His presence was steady, grounding, but I knew the fear still lingered beneath his golden aura. “You’ve barely slept,” he said softly, concern threading through his voice.
“I don’t have the luxury of rest,” I replied, voice firm despite the fatigue. “We need
