The weight of Harrison's proposal hung in the air. Launch an immediate assault on Archduke Malakor. The very thought made my stomach clench with fear, not for myself, but for Kaelen and Ronan who would lead the charge. Everyone around the table fell silent, processing the magnitude of what we were considering.
Kaelen's eyes found mine across the table, questioning, seeking my thoughts before making his decision. That small gesture—his silent acknowledgment of our partnership—meant everything.
"Sera?" he asked softly. "What do you think?"
I took a deep breath. This was the man who had orchestrated every painful moment in my life, who had manipulated my fertility issues, who had plans for my unborn child. My son. Anger surged through me, fierce and protective.
"If we don't stop him now," I said, my voice steadier than I expected, "he'll never stop coming for Rhys. We have to do this."
Kaelen nodded, his jaw setting with determination. "Then it's decided."
