"Well he better learn to, because I'm not going anywhere," Jade said, her hand finding his.
Jade smoothed the black silk dress she'd chosen for tonight's celebration, the fabric flowing like liquid against her skin as she and Raikar approached Xylen's sprawling estate. Lanterns cast dancing shadows across the stone pathway, and the sound of laughter and music spilled from the open windows ahead. The weight of what they'd accomplished—completing the Trial of Shadow in record time—still felt like a dream she might wake from at any moment.
The massive oak doors opened before they reached them, revealing a grand foyer already packed with clan members. The moment they stepped inside, the room seemed to pause, conversations halting as every pair of eyes turned toward them. Then the applause began, thunderous and genuine, washing over Jade like a warm wave.
"The legends themselves!" called out an older panther shifter, raising his glass of deep red Sidaii wine. "Six days! Impossible!"
Jade felt her chest tighten as more clan members surged forward, their faces bright with excitement and awe. The attention made her skin prickle with unease—she'd never been comfortable being the center of focus, preferring to blend into the background and observe. Through the completed mate bond, she felt Raikar's immediate awareness of her discomfort, his presence steadying her like an anchor in a storm.
His large hand found hers, his fingers intertwining with quiet strength. The simple gesture sent warmth shooting up her arm, grounding her in the moment.
"General Veyth, your mate is everything we hoped for and more," gushed a middle-aged woman with silver-streaked hair. "To think a human could survive what killed so many of our strongest warriors?—"
"Jade's strength speaks for itself," Raikar replied smoothly. "The trial tested us both, and we succeeded together."
More congratulations poured over them, each clan member eager to share their amazement at the historic achievement. Jade found herself nodding and smiling, playing the gracious victor while internally cataloging exits and calculating how long she could endure this without needing air.
"Jade!" Brenn's voice pierced through the crowd like a lifeline. The panther shifter bounded toward them, her warm green eyes sparkling with uncontainable joy. "I knew it! I absolutely knew you had something extraordinary in you from the moment we met."
Despite her discomfort, Jade couldn't help but smile at Brenn's enthusiasm. "It wasn't all me. Teamwork with my mate and great partner here made all the difference."
She gestured toward Raikar, who squeezed her hand in acknowledgment. The secret of her newfound panther nature burned on her tongue—she wanted to share this incredible discovery with Brenn, who'd been nothing but supportive from day one. But they'd agreed to reveal that particular bombshell another time. Tonight was complicated enough.
"Still," Brenn continued, practically vibrating with excitement, "six days! You broke a record that stood for over two centuries. Talia owes me fifty credits—I bet on you from the start."
Jade laughed, the sound genuine. "Where is Talia anyway?"
"Dancing with some warrior who's been trying to get her attention for months. She's finally letting loose." Brenn's grinturned mischievous. "You should see her—she's actually having fun instead of glaring at everyone."
Before Jade could respond, Councilor Xylen appeared at Raikar's shoulder like a shadow given form. His pale features remained composed, but something cold flickered in his deep blue eyes.
"General Veyth," Xylen said, his voice carrying that particular tone of authority that expected immediate compliance. "I require a private word regarding the High Commander announcement. There are... protocols to discuss."
Jade felt Raikar's reluctance through their bond, his protective instincts flaring at the thought of leaving her side. His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.
"Can't it wait until tomorrow?" Raikar's tone held a subtle edge of challenge. "Tonight is for celebration."
"I'm afraid not." Xylen's smile never reached his eyes. "Duty calls, as you well know. It will only take a moment."
The weight of political obligation settled over Raikar like a mantle. Jade could feel his internal struggle—the Alpha in him that wanted to tell Xylen exactly where he could shove his protocols, warring with the disciplined General who understood the game they had to play.
"Go," Jade said quietly, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "I can mingle on my own."
Raikar's blue eyes searched her face, looking for any sign of distress. Finding only determination, he nodded reluctantly. "I'll only be a moment."
She watched him follow Xylen through the crowd. The bond stretched between them as the distance grew, but it held strong.
"Want to grab some of that wine?" Brenn suggested, but before Jade could answer, she noticed her friend's attention had been captured by a group of young warriors near the dance floor.
"Actually, go dance," Jade said, reading Brenn's longing glance. "I think I need some air anyway. This crowd is a bit much."
Brenn hesitated. "Are you sure? I don't mind staying?—"
"Go have fun. You've earned it after putting up with my training sessions."
With a grateful smile, Brenn disappeared into the swaying bodies on the dance floor, leaving Jade alone in the sea of celebrating panthers. The noise level seemed to double without her friend's buffer, conversations blending into an overwhelming cacophony that made her head pound.
Jade navigated through the crowd toward the back of the estate, seeking the terrace doors she'd spotted earlier. The cool night air beckoned like salvation, promising relief from the energy of so many predators in one space.
