I reappear in the sanctuary hallway, legs unsteady for just a moment before I catch myself. The familiar weight of the building settles around me, grounding me in something that feels more real than Council chambers and power games.
Stellan is waiting, leaning against the wall with that knowing expression of his.
"That bad?" he asks.
"They believe what they need to."
"Which is?"
"That I'm the leash."
His mouth curves slightly. "And what are you really?"
I pause, the words sticking in my throat. Because for the first time in centuries, I know the answer.
"Already tethered," I say finally.
Stellan's smile widens. "Thought so."
He pushes off from the wall, starts walking toward the main hall where I can hear voices—the others processing what happened outside, probably planning next moves.
"Coming?" he asks over his shoulder.
I take a breath, square my shoulders, and follow him toward whatever comes next.
But Eris's words echo in my mind with every step:The next time she touches you, she'll leave a piece of herself. And you'll take it willingly.
The worst part?
I already know she's right.
Chapter 36
Bree
I slip out through the back door and don't tell anyone where I'm going.
The quiet hits like cold water. No voices. No eyes. Just me and the early morning air and grass that's wet against my bare feet.
I should put shoes on. I should go back inside and pretend everything's fine.
Instead, I keep walking.
"That one with the gold cuffs? Definitely wanted to climb me like a tree."
Jace's voice won't leave my head. All cocky and amused, like it wasfunny. Like watching strangers want them was some kind of joke.
I stop walking. My hands are shaking.
They didn't look at me. Not once. Not when that woman brushed Theo's hand or when people started following Jace with their eyes. They just... talked. Laughed. Made jokes about being wanted.
And I stood there listening, feeling something ugly twist in my chest.
"They're not mine," I whisper to the empty garden.
But the words taste wrong.
Because maybe I don't own them, but I thought... I don't know what I thought. That they'd at least notice I was there? That someone would ask if I was okay with watching strangers reach for them like they had the right?
