Jolie POV

The ride back from the Council chamber should have felt like victory. We'd won—I was officially recognized as Luna of the Iron Fangs, with no more challenges to my status and no more threats from Nightshade or the Council hanging over our heads. So why did I feel like I was about to shatter into a thousand irreparable pieces?

"You okay back there?" Ryder's voice cut through the wind and engine noise, carrying concern I could feel echoing through our bond.

"Fine." I pressed my cheek ...