"It's Council business." The lie tasted bitter. "Varric asked him to investigate the sabotage. That's all."
Callum tilted his head, studying her. "Well, from what I hear, there's a lot more than investigating happening between you two."
"People gossip."
"People saw you kiss him." Callum's expression turned knowing. "Saw the way you looked at each other through those windows. And knowing you, knowing Dante, that wasn't just some casual thing."
Maeve's hands became fists. "It was a mistake." She grabbed a rag, wiping down the already-clean bar. "He'll leave. Same as before. I'm not setting myself up for that again."
"What if he doesn't leave?"
"He will." She met Callum's eyes, willing him to understand. "He always chooses duty over everything else. Over us. Over me. That's who he is."
"That's who he was." Callum's voice gentled. "People change, Maeve. I did. You did. Maybe he did too."
"Or maybe he's still the same lion who watched us walk away and didn't follow."
"Maybe." Callum reached across the bar, catching her hand. "But you won't know unless you give him a chance. Unless you let go of the hurt long enough to see what's actually in front of you."
"Not everyone needs a mate."
"No." His mouth curved. "But everyone needs connection. Family. Someone to come home to who sees past the armor." He stood, pulling coins from his pocket and dropping them on the bar. "Don't let pride steal what's yours again, Maeve. We did thatonce already. Lost ten years because we were too stubborn to fight for what mattered. These are things I’ve reflected on."
"I fought," she whispered. "I fought and he still chose the pride."
"Did you?" Callum's expression turned sad. "Or did you walk away assuming he'd follow? Did you ever tell him what you wanted? What you needed? Or did you just expect him to know?"
Silence was all Maeve offered him so Callum nodded. “Think about it.” And with that, he left.
Maeve stood behind her bar, surrounded by bottles and glasses and the life she'd built alone. The life she'd convinced herself was enough.
Callum's words echoed in her head.
Don't let pride steal what's yours again.
But what if what was hers had already been stolen? What if Dante had taken it with him when he'd stayed behind, and there was nothing left to fight for?
What if she was just too scared to find out?
Her lioness paced, restless and agitated, wanting things Maeve refused. Wanting him.
"Damn it.”
12
DANTE
Dante got to the Council Glad at dawn watching frost glitter on ancient stones while his breath misted in the air. The summons had come before sunrise, delivered by the same nervous wolf courier who'd brought him his first letter. Varric wanted him present for an emergency hearing.
Emergency meant Hector had made his move.
Dante's lion prowled, ready for confrontation. Ready to defend what was Maeve's even if she'd never admit she needed defending.
Footsteps crunched through snow. Emmett appeared from the tree line, his expression grim. "You got the summons too?"
"Yeah." Dante scanned the clearing. "What's this about?"
"Hector Cross filed a formal complaint." Emmett's jaw tightened. "Demanding a Council hearing to discuss Maeve's management of the Silver Fang. Claims she's endangering Cross legacy through negligence and poor judgment."
