LIORA’S POV
I stood frozen between Lucas’s carriage and the arguing voices behind me.
“Absolutely not,” Darren said firmly, moving to stand beside me. His hand found my elbow. “Liora should ride with me and Elora. She’s my surrogate. She belongs with me.”
The possessive claim in his voice made me flinch. Belongs with me.
Like I was property to be assigned.
Lucas’s expression remained carefully neutral. “As you wish.”
“This is already becoming a spectacle,” Elora said, her voice sharp with irritation. “Can we please just settle this and leave?”
“Then it’s decided. Liora rides with me.” Darren’s grip on my elbow tightened slightly.
“But Darren,” Elora protested, her voice sharp. “I thought we were riding together. We have things to discuss about the week’s events.”
“You can ride in
