By the time Elena returned to her quarters, her body was aching, her mind racing. The Romano world was cruel, but it was intoxicating. Power, survival, control it thrilled her in ways nothing else had.
Adrian appeared at the doorway, his presence impossible to ignore. The city is ours for now, he said. But Veronia doesn't forgive weakness, Elena. Remember that.
She met his gaze, unflinching. Neither do I.
The night stretched before them, filled with unspoken tension, dangerous possibilities, and the understanding that in this world, alliances were temporary, trust was a weapon, and desire was the deadliest game of all.