Chapter 62

Serena POV

The council chamber felt colder than usual as Lucien and I stepped inside, Leo held securely against my chest. The elders were already waiting—some anxious, others resentful of what this war was turning us into. The air was thick with worry, heavy enough that Ava bristled beneath my skin before anyone even spoke.

Watch them, she murmured. Someone hides their fear too well.

Lucien moved beside me like a shadow forged from authority and barely leashed violence. Even in ...