-Ronan Hale:
The journey back to the hidden castle was a blur of tension and relief. My arms were locked around Elara's waist, half-supporting her, while Lucien walked close to my other side. He was still weak from his injuries, and I kept glancing at him to make sure he wasn't about to collapse. But each time I looked, he met my gaze with a faint, determined smile—like he wanted to reassure me he was okay.
None of us spoke much. We were too exhausted, too shaken. Elara's eyes were distant, her hand pressed protectively against her belly. Lucien's face was pale, his breath still ragged. And me? I felt a knot of anger and fear coiled in my chest, memories of that ruined fortress and the chaos we'd left behind.
But at least we were together.
At least we were alive.
When we finally reached the castle gates, the wards around it shimmered faintly, welcoming us in. The tension in my shoulders eased a fraction. Here, we were safe—at least as safe as we could be.
