The silence after Alaric's arrival pressed heavy against the room.
Lucien's jaw tightened. "You shouldn't be here."
Alaric's gaze swept across them, warm with Dorian and Lucien, but lingering too long on Iman. She shifted uncomfortably, her fingers tightening around Lucien's hand.
Lucien noticed. "What are you staring at?"
Alaric gave a faint smile. "Lost in thought. The bond is... distracting."
Layla frowned. "The Order - what do they want?"
Alaric's tone grew grave. "Control. And they fear what they cannot control. You are bonded by choice, not rules. That makes you dangerous."
Dorian leaned forward. "And if we fail?"
Alaric's eyes narrowed. "Then the bond will consume you. And The Order will erase what remains."
The words hung in the air, heavy and unyielding.