That evening during a private meal Magnus approached Lila in the corridor. I watched from a distance with the kings.
Their conversation carried low but clear. "One conversation under the stars. Nothing more. I want to know the woman behind the shield."
Lila met his eyes. "I am heir of Frostfang. My path stays here. Respect the boundary or leave."
She turned away but the moment lingered. Magnus watched her go with hunger in his gaze. The kings shifted beside me. Their possessiveness burned through the bond. Lila had refused him again, but the spark between them had not died. It complicated the alliance and tested our family's balance.
We spoke in the royal chambers after the children slept. Darius paced near the window. "He wants her for power as much as desire. We cannot allow it."
Kane's voice stayed flat. "Lila chooses her path. We guide without chains."
Rylan gripped his axe handle. "He touches what is ours. I want to remind him of that."
