Gavriel’s jaw tightened. His grip on Althea’s waist didn’t loosen, but his eyes stayed locked on Zander’s projection. The silence stretched until even the steady glow of the shard seemed to dim.

Finally, Gavriel exhaled slowly. “Fine,” he said. His voice was calm, but it carried the weight of a decision he didn’t want to make. “We’ll come.”

Uriel’s eyes widened. “Your Majesty—”

“It’s not up for debate,” Gavriel curtly added without looking back. “If my ...