Shadow Bound Fate

The Stand Off

***Lira's POV***

Vespera materialized at my side in an instant, his presence a shadowed force of protection. At the same time, Caius' powers surged to life, dark tendrils slithering across the floor, creeping up the walls like living ink. Thalia let out a low growl, her stance shifting, muscles coiled and ready. Kieran moved in front of me, his form tense, standing shoulder to shoulder with Caius, as if daring Morven to take another step.

A slow, mocking clap filled the air.

"Ah, my darling son." Morven's voice was smooth, laced with condescension as he stepped into the council chamber. His presence alone seemed to suck the warmth from the room. "Such a surprise."

A heavy silence blanketed the space.

Behind him, three assassins followed, their movements precise, their expressions unreadable. Their dark armor blended into the dim light, their weapons resting at their sides—ready, but not yet raised.

Morven's gaze flicked between Kieran and Caius, amusement dancing in his cold eyes.

Caius let out a low, dangerous growl, his shadows twitching in response. Morven merely smirked and took another step forward, spreading his hands in mock innocence.

"What?" he drawled. "I can't take a moment to admire the darling prize everyone seems so eager to protect?" He grinned, his eyes gleaming as they landed on his son. "Tell me, Caius—has she bewitched you already?"

My hand tightened on Caius' shoulder.

"It's fine," I sent the thought through our link, hoping to calm him.

Caius hesitated but stepped slightly to the side, giving me just enough space to shift forward between him and Kieran. I still wasn't sure if Kieran was entirely on our side—but for now, we had a common enemy. And we stood face to face with the devil himself.

Morven's sharp gaze trailed over me, assessing, dissecting. His lip curled slightly.

"I see you've taken a liking to the girl," he mused, his voice almost playful. "I can't say I blame you."

"Asshole," Kieran bit out.

Morven chuckled, stepping closer once more.

Caius didn't hesitate—his grip tightened around my wrist, tugging me behind him. "What is it you want?" His voice was steady, but I could hear the edge in it, the barely restrained fury.

"The girl, of course," one of the assassins behind Morven spoke, their voice smooth as steel.

Thalia took a step forward, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. "You'll have to kill us all for that to happen."

Morven let out a breath of laughter, shaking his head slightly. "So dramatic." His gaze swept over the group, pausing on Ayla, who had now stepped forward to join the others. They formed a wall between me and him.

Vespera moved into position beside me, his form shifting into that of a massive wolf, his low, rumbling growl vibrating through the floor. Caius' shadows curled hungrily along the ground, inching toward Morven's feet like waiting vipers.

Morven's smirk faltered as his gaze snapped to my brother. His eyes darkened. "I was told she was untrained," he said, his voice sharp, accusatory. "That she didn't know how to use her gifts."

Ronan shrugged, feigning indifference. "Apparently, that has changed in her time away."

I inhaled slowly, stepping past my friends, my allies—past the wall of bodies standing in my defense.