Something twisted in Alena’s gut. The words should have reassured her, but the way he spoke—as if she were a burden—set her teeth on edge. Did he really think she couldn’t protect herself?
Before she could muster a response, Phoebe chimed in, her voice dry as dust. “Oh, how reassuring. The one who’s lost control of his Gift offering to guard her. What could possibly go wrong?”
“Phoebe!” Alena snapped.
But the damage was done. A flicker of hurt crossed Leukos’ face before it shuttered. “You told her?”
Alena’s heart clenched. The accusation in his tone sent guilt washing through her. “She figured it out.”
Leukos’ mouth flattened into a hard line. His gaze snapped to the Amazon, sharp enough to draw blood. “I won’t make the same mistake again. Either way, Alena stays with me. Let’s go.”
He didn’t look back as he strode out. Phoebe only rolled her eyes, muttering something under her breath before turning back to the table.
But Alena stayed rooted to the spot.
A mistake?
Her heart stuttered, a terrible ache blooming inside. Was that truly what their almost-kiss had been to him—something to regret?
You’ve haunted my dreams and consumed my every waking thought.
The way her pulse had leapt at his nearness, the pull between them, the world gone quiet for one suspended breath… had it meant nothing to him?
She didn’t remember leaving the room, only that her thoughts were still tangled when they stepped into the courtyard. Two dozen soldiers stood waiting, steel scale armour gleaming in the early light, Tiryns’ amber crest embroidered over leather straps. A dozen Megarian rebels flanked them, tense and ready, weapons in hand.
Among the ranks stood three elderly women in flowing robes, satchels heavy at their sides. Alena recognised one—the Gifted healer who had once eased the ice from her jaw—and felt a flicker of reassurance.
Close by, Theo hunched over a map with Danaos and Despoina, their heads bent in discussion, while Pelagios passed out swords and shields. Near the horses, Nik moved with brisk precision, checking supplies and cinching saddles.
Alena crossed towards him, the soldiers’ gazes tracking her every step. Even without her wolves, they recognised her. The golden Omega Mark on the back of her hand caught the light, its gleam impossible to miss.
And still, Leukos treated her as though she were fragile. Something to guard, not to trust. The thought smouldered in her chest, threatening to flare, but she forced it down as she reached Nik.
“So,” she said, brushing her fingers along the sleek neck of a grey mare, “you’ve been helping Tiryns train its soldiers?”
Nik glanced up from adjusting a strap. “Yes. After the wedding, Leukos was meant to take over as general and lead them to the Western Lands. We’ve been training them for weeks. But…” His mouth twisted. “I’m not sure Charis will be so cooperative now.”
Alena’s gaze flicked to the soldiers. “If we stop the First Legion, maybe the alliance can still hold.”
“Maybe,” Nik muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. “The men respect Leukos—he’s a natural leader. But Danaos…” He shook his head. “That’ll be the hard sell.”
Before she could answer, Pelagios’ voice rang across the courtyard. “Soldiers, to the horses—move!”
Armour and weapons clinked as the men obeyed, clustering around the mounts. Alena joined the motion, her attention drawn to Danaos and Despoina now standing at opposite ends of the yard. How would the twins use their Gift to move so many at once?
A familiar presence stirred behind her.
“I’m not letting you out of my sight,” a deep voice murmured.
She turned. Leukos stood close—too close. Heat radiated off him, brushing her skin, mingling with the irritation already smouldering inside.
“I can handle myself,” she replied, her tone cold.
One dark brow lifted, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he made a low, ambiguous sound that slid over her skin, leaving goosebumps in its wake. Her breath caught, but she forced herself to keep steady.
Phoebe arrived without warning, striking in her leopard pelt, a circular shield strapped to her back. She raised an eyebrow at Leukos’ proximity before sliding in beside Alena, deliberately forcing him a step back.
Annoyance flickered across his face. Down the line, Nik smothered a laugh with a poorly timed cough.
