Chapter 126

Moonlight carved silver paths through the swaying grass, casting long shadows that moved with the wind. Lucius traced the curve of Amelia's jaw, his thumb lingering on the pulse that fluttered beneath his touch. The air thrummed with the distant howl of owls, a relentless rhythm counting down the minutes until darkness surrendered to dawn and war claimed its due. "Thane believes I'm dead and that will be his greatest mistake," he said, his voice raw with the truth he held, "Gabriel will lead the charge, a storm in fur and steel. You stay hidden, a flicker in the shadows until this inferno burns itself out." Amelia's fingers found his, her nails digging into his calloused palm. "And then?" she whispered, her voice catching on the unspoken fear. "Then what, Lucius? When this madness ends, will you still want me?" He pressed his forehead against hers, drawing strength from the fire that burned in her eyes. "Always," he vowed, the word a whispered promise against the approaching tide o