“I’m sure Jupiter will manage just fine,” Percy cut in, his voice tight. “She’s extremely capable.”
“Oh, we’ve heard,” James said with a knowing smile. “The stories from Philadelphia are impressive. Taking down a Class Five bane breach single-handedly? That’s not something we see every day.”
I blinked in surprise. “You’ve heard about that?”
“Of course,” Theo said. “Word travels fast in our world. Especially when it concerns the first Ophis designation in recorded history.”
“And especially when that Ophis is as stunning as you, love,” Rowan added, his smile making my cheeks heat.
I felt the Nightfall Shield’s collective anger spike to dangerous levels. Aiden’s hands were clenched at his sides, golden light flickering beneath his skin. Draco’s expression hadgone completely blank, which I knew meant he was furious. Eris looked like he might actually throw a punch at any moment. And Percy—Percy was radiating such intense rage that I was surprised the champagne glasses nearby didn’t shatter.
“I’m looking forward to London even more then,” I said, deliberately ignoring their reactions. “A fresh start sounds perfect right now.”
Lucas’s eyes sparkled with understanding. He knew exactly what was happening, what the rumors said about me and the Nightfall Shield, and he was clearly enjoying their discomfort.
“If you’ll excuse us,” Percy said stiffly, “dinner is about to be served.”
“Of course,” Lucas replied smoothly. “We’ll catch up later, I’m sure.” He turned to me with a warm smile. “Save me a dance, Jupiter?”
I nodded, but before I could respond, Aiden’s hand closed around my upper arm. “We should find our table.”
I yanked my arm free, giving him a cold look.
The dinner that followed was excruciating. I sat between Percy and Aiden, forced to make small talk with Assembly dignitaries while pretending I wasn’t acutely aware of every breath, every movement, every glance from the men surrounding me. The food was exquisite, but I barely tasted it, too preoccupied with maintaining my façade of calm.
When the orchestra began playing and couples started moving to the dance floor, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Rowan stood there, hand extended and a mischievous smile on his face.
“I believe you promised my shield leader a dance,” he said, “but I thought I might steal you away first, if you don’t mind.”
I smiled genuinely for the first time that evening. “I’d like that.”
Percy’s hand shot out, gripping the edge of my chair. “Jupiter?—”
“Excuse me,” I told him coldly, standing and taking Rowan’s offered hand. “I’ve been asked to dance.”
As Rowan led me to the dance floor, I felt the bond vibrate with pure, undiluted rage. All four of them were watching, their fury straining against my mental barriers. I squared my shoulders and focused on Rowan, who was now sliding an arm around my waist.
“They’re not taking this well,” he observed as we began moving to the music.
“I don’t care,” I replied, though the pain in my chest suggested otherwise.
Rowan’s smile turned knowing. “I think you do. But I also think they deserve to suffer a bit, after what they did.”
I stared at him in surprise. “How much do you know?”
“Enough,” he said simply, guiding me through a graceful turn. “The rumor mill at Dominion reaches all the way to London.” His expression softened. “Nobody deserves that kind of pain.”
I swallowed hard, fighting back unexpected tears. “It doesn’t matter anymore. I’m leaving.”
“And coming to us,” he said with a smile. “London will be lucky to have you.”
I felt a strange flutter in my chest at his words.
“We don’t have a formal axis yet,” Rowan continued, his voice low as he guided me through another turn. “Lucas has been waiting for the right match. Someone exceptional.”
“I’m not looking for another shield just yet,” I told him, though the idea sent an unexpected pang of longing through me. “I need time to heal first.”
His eyes softened with understanding. “Of course. No pressure. Just friendship, support, a place to belong while you figure things out.”
