Morning broke with golden light spilling into the valley. I expected calm.
I got Lucien glaring.
"I saw the way you reacted to him," he said flatly.
I frowned. "To who?"
"Kaiden. Don't lie."
I crossed my arms. "It's not what you think."
Lucien stepped closer, eyes sharp. "Then explain why your power synced with him. Why your body responded before your mind did. Why…" His voice softened. "…why you didn't even hesitate to look at him when we were under attack?"
I swallowed hard. He was right. My mark had pulsed in a way it never had with him—only Kaiden.
"I… I can't explain it," I admitted.
Lucien's jaw tightened. He stepped back, turning slightly. "Fine. But remember this: feelings are a luxury you can't afford. Not now. Not with Darius mobilizing. Not with every Alpha in the region watching."
I flinched. His words cut deeper than a blade.
"I'm aware," I said quietly.
Lucien stared at me, his dark eyes unreadable. "Good. Because if you let him distract you… one mistake and you'll die."
I nodded.
But later, when Kaiden arrived with intelligence about Darius' movements, my chest betrayed me.
He stood too close. Calm. Commanding. Eyes flicking between mine and Lucien.
"Report," Kaiden said.
I did. But my hands shook slightly. My mark pulsed faintly. Stronger when he looked at me.
Lucien noticed. His gaze darkened. "Don't let him play with you."
Kaiden raised an eyebrow. "Play?"
Lucien didn't answer.
I realized something terrifying: tension was no longer just political. It was personal. Emotional. And dangerous.