The ridge still smelled of ozone and blood when the first shouts broke out.
Aiden stayed on his knees for three full heartbeats, golden eyes locked on Catherine. The Empress's arm was tight around his waist, her body molded against his side so every soldier on the lower slope could see it.
Her fingers pressed just under the torn edge of his shirt, right where the newest fracture lines glowed faint silver across his ribs.
Catherine didn't blink. "The bond is suspended. No more surges through us until you choose. Until you treat us as your equals, not your tools."
Sabrina stood half a step behind her, chin high, voice flat. "That includes the girls. They're done bleeding for your fractures."
The silence lasted maybe two seconds.
Then the camp exploded.
Lord Merrick's voice cracked like a whip from the command group. "Arrest them! Right now! They just crippled the only weapon we have left!"
