“I’ve already chosen,” I call back.
He’s gone. Retreating into the forest.
Silence.
“Report!” Caleb’s voice.
“No casualties on our side!” Viktor responds. “Minor injuries. Three prisoners captured.”
“Secure them. Maintain positions.” Caleb surveys his people. “They’ll be back. But we held. Well done.”
Cheers erupt.
I watch Caleb lead. Be what this clan needs.
Not a Dragon King. A leader for this time.
Lila lowers her hands. The magic dissipates. “That was well handled.”
“Caleb’s strategy worked.”
“I meant you. Stepping back. Letting him lead.” She studies me. “That took strength.”
“It took common sense. He’s been leading them for years. I’ve been awake for weeks.”
“Still.” Her smile is small. “Not many kings would choose to abdicate so gracefully.”
“I’m not abdicating. I was never king of this clan. Just—” I pause. “Just someone with fire they needed. For a moment.”
Hargen joins us. “The barrier’s stable. You can release it.”
I let the ancient fire fade. Return it to dormancy.
But something else is pulling at me.
The bond. Mara. Safe room. Waiting.
“Go,” Caleb says, as if reading my mind. “We’ve got cleanup.”
“You’re certain?”
“I’m certain.” His smile is genuine. “Go take care of your mate. The clan can handle the rest.”
The word settles warm.
Mate.
Not subject. Not duty.
Choice.
I nod. Start toward the facility.
“Kael!”
I stop. Look back.
Caleb’s expression is serious. Grateful. “Thank you. For trusting me. For letting me lead.”
