Moon Frost

*UPDATED WEEKLY*

"You won't protect her like I can." Jameson's voice was low, his tone sharp with controlled anger as he squared up to Wilder. His blue eyes burned with a quiet intensity that made my stomach twist.

"I'm not the one dragging her into danger every other second," Wilder shot back, his hazel eyes glinting with frustration. He crossed his arms, leaning just enough to look casual, though his words carried a weight that was anything but. "You're so focused on this war, you can't even see what it's doing to her."

"I see everything," Jameson said, stepping closer, his voice dropping further. "And I know what it takes to protect her. I've kept her alive, and she's strong."

Their words pressed into me like the icy air outside, heavy and suffocating. I opened my mouth to speak, but Jameson's voice cut through again.

"She's not just another responsibility, Wilder," he said, his tone softer but no less resolute. "She's risking everything for this war, and I won't let her fail because someone like you thinks charm is enough to keep her alive."

Wilder's smirk disappeared, his gaze flicking to me. "I need her to lead more than you need another soldier. The castle is safer for her."

I clenched my fists, feeling their words swirl around me like a storm. "Stop," I said, louder than I intended. They both froze, their eyes snapping to me. "This isn't about either of you. It's about these people who are fighting for survival. Who protect them? I can take care of myself."

They looked at me, and suddenly I knew I wasn't the girl who had been found in the woods. I was my father's daughter, a fighter. And I would fight for my people.