~Matteo POV~
The scroll's warning about an eclipse climax had us scrambling back at the estate, the war room buzzing as we prepped for Elias's big move. Annalyn clutched the focus stone, her pregnancy making her wince but her eyes sharp, while Lucas checked his weapons, Calix twirled his knife, and Ezra's runes flickered, scanning for threats.
Mara stood by the door, their Visaya runes dim but steady, while Russo smirked from his chained corner, and Kael and Rorik stayed quiet. The council's forces were out there, and with the eclipse hours away, we had to get ready to counter their trap.
"Okay, eclipse tonight," I said, my laptop open, tracking celestial data. "The scroll says it's when Elias hits hardest—how do we prep?"
Annalyn gripped the stone, her voice firm. "We use the bond—keep my baby safe and block Lira."
Lucas growled, strapping on a holster. "We fortify the estate, set traps—hit them before they hit us."
