[Lavinia's POV—Dawnspire Wing]
There was a moment—a tiny, breathless moment—where the entire balcony fell silent.
Even that enormous eagle, Solena, halted mid-flap like a statue carved out of terror and feathers, her sharp eyes locked on the shadowed figure beyond the railing, ready to attack.
"Stay here," Osric whispered, stepping protectively in front of me, his sword gleaming cold and cruel beneath the moonlight. His shoulders were tense, jaw set, like a knight in a painting come to life.
Stay here?
Excuse me?
I blinked at him, scoffing. "Do I look like someone who needs to hide, Osric?" I stepped beside him, brushing past his arm. "Don't forget—I'm stronger than Caelum on his best day."
Osric sighed like a man used to this kind of insubordination. "Alright... just—stay close to me. Please."
I gave him a firm nod and clenched my fists, ready to lunge. Solena crouched low beside us, wings flaring in anticipation, her mouth already curled in anticipation of snark and talons.
