“It means you need to be careful.” Leon’s eyes hold hers. “Celeste’s family won’t let this go quietly. They’ll push for consequences. Even if Lucian believes you, even if everyone knows the truth, they’ll make noise. Cause problems.”
“So, what am I supposed to do?” Frustration bleeds into her voice. “Just wait for them to come after me?”
“No.” Leon’s voice softens. “Just…watch your back. Don’t go anywhere alone. Don’t give them any ammunition.”
I feel Daciana’s anger building, hot and sharp beneath her skin.
Leon takes a step closer, and I tense. But he’s looking only at Daciana, his expression raw. “I know this isn’t fair. I know you didn’t do anything wrong. But politics in this kingdom are messy. Dangerous.”
“I can handle myself,” Daciana says, lifting her chin.
“I know you can.” I detect a faint break in Leon’s voice. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t worry.”
Through the bond, I feel Daciana’s conflicted emotions: gratitude, sadness, guilt.
“I’ll be careful,” she says quietly.
Leon nods. His eyes linger on her for a moment—a bit too long, a bit too intensely. Then, he looks at me.
“Protect her.” It’s not a request. It’s a command.
“I don’t need you to tell me to protect my mate,” I say, my voice low and severe.
“Maybe not.” Leon’s jaw clenches. “But I’m telling you anyway. Celeste’s family is powerful. If they can’t get to Daciana through the Council, they may try other methods.”
The warning hangs in the air between us.
“Understood,” I say flatly.
Leon holds my gaze for another beat, then turns to Daciana one last time. “If you need anything—”
“I know,” she interrupts gently. “Thank you, Leon.”
He nods, and his composed expression cracks. Quickly, he turns and walks away, his footsteps echoing down the hall.
Daciana sags against me the moment he’s gone. I pull her close, feeling the weight of her worry.
“He still cares about you,” I murmur.
“I know.” Her voice is small. “I never wanted to hurt him.”
Jealousy burns through me, but beneath it, I feel her grief. She never wanted to hurt Leon; she simply didn’t love him.
“You’re mine now,” I say, tipping her chin up. “That’s all that matters.”
She searches my face, then nods. “Yours.”
My kiss is hard, possessive, and claiming. When I pull back, her lips are swollen, and her eyes are dark.
“Come on,” I say, guiding her toward her chambers. “You need rest.”
But even as we walk, I’m thinking about Leon’s warning. About Celeste’s family and their influence. About what other methods they could use.
And I’m already planning how to keep my mate safe.
The next morning,we find out the gypsy witches received my message. But they haven’t responded.
I watch Daciana’s face fall as I relay the news. I can feel her concern fester through the bond.
