“Father,” Percy said, his voice dangerously low, “I’d advise you to choose your next words carefully.”
Charles waved a dismissive hand. “Come now, Percival. There’s no need for dramatics. I’m simply acknowledging the reality of the situation. Ms. Black’s abilities represent a significant advantage for our family’s position within the Assembly.”
“Your choice,” Percy corrected. “Not mine. You know I disagree.”
Eleanor set down her glass with a sharp click. “Percival, everything you are, you owe to the Whitlock name.”
“That’s not true,” I interjected, unable to stay silent. “Percy’s achievements are his own. His shield, his combat record, his leadership—those have nothing to do with your name and everything to do with who he is as a man.”
The room fell silent. Eleanor looked shocked that I’d dared to contradict her, while Charles regarded me with newfound interest.
“My, my. The axis defends her shield. How... touching.”
“The axis speaks her mind. Something I’ll continue to do regardless of whose family name is involved.”
Director Waverly cleared her throat. “Perhaps we should discuss the upcoming Assembly gala. The Nightfall Shield will be formally presenting their axis bond, and?—”
“We haven’t agreed to that yet,” Aiden cut in, speaking for the first time.
Charles’s eyebrows shot up. “I was under the impression the bond was already established.”
“It is,” Percy said. “But the formal presentation is our choice, not the Assembly’s. It’s up to Jupiter, not us.”
“A presentation would solidify your standing,” Eleanor pointed out. “And provide an opportunity to introduce Jupiter to the right people.”
“The right people?” I echoed, not bothering to hide my disdain. “You mean people who might be useful to the Whitlock family?”
“Precisely,” Charles said, seeming not to notice or care about my tone. “Connections are everything in our world, Ms. Black. The sooner you understand that, the better.”
I felt a surge of protectiveness from Draco through our bond, his anger a cool, controlled presence compared to Percy’s hot rage and Aiden’s simmering resentment. Eris was deceptively calm, but I could feel his pissed off aura.
“Jupiter understands more than you give her credit for,” Draco said.
“Indeed,” Charles replied, studying Draco with narrowed eyes. “The Hawthorne family has always been particular about their associations. Yet here you are, bonded to an Ophis with no family connections. Curious, isn’t it?”
Draco’s expression remained neutral, but I felt his anger spike through our bond. “Not at all. We bonded with Jupiter because she’s exceptional, not because of who her parents are or aren’t.”
“How progressive of you,” Eleanor murmured.
I’d had enough. I stood, smoothing my dress. “Mr. and Mrs. Whitlock, it’s been enlightening to meet you. But I think we’ve covered the essentials. You’ve assessed me, found me lacking in the proper pedigree but useful nonetheless, and made it clear you expect me to play a role in whatever games you’re playing with the Assembly.”
Charles looked surprised, then amused. “Direct, aren’t you?”
“Always. So let me be direct about something else. I chose the Nightfall Shield because they are worthy of my choice and have earned every ounce of my respect. If that disappoints you, I’m not particularly concerned.”
Eleanor’s face tightened with displeasure. “You’re very bold.”
“I’ve been fighting bane since I was eighteen. I’ve seen more combat than most zodiacs twice my age. I think I have earned the right to say what I want to whoever I want.”
Percy stood beside me, his hand finding mine. “I think we’re done here,” he told his parents. “We have training to attend to.”
Charles also stood, buttoning his immaculate suit jacket. “Very well. But this conversation isn’t over, Percival. The Assembly gala is in three weeks, and the Whitlock family will be making a strong showing, with or without your cooperation.”
He nodded to Director Waverly, who had remained silent during our exchange. “Director, thank you for arranging this meeting. We’ll see ourselves out.”
As Percy’s parents left the room, I felt the tension drain from my shoulders. Percy pulled me against his side, pressing a kiss to my temple.
“Thank you, honey,” he murmured.
