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Color rises in Lila’s cheeks. “You don’t need to tell me what the Syndicate is capable of. I lived it.”

“Then you understand why joining us is crucial.” Viktor’s tone hardens, becoming less request, more command. “With your help, we can counter the Syndicate’s plans, protect your daughter, secure a better future for all magical beings.”

I step forward before I can stop myself, dragon instincts flaring at the pressure in his voice. “She’s barely recovered, Viktor. This isn’t the time.”

Viktor’s head snaps toward me, surprise flickering across his features.

“Stand down, Talon,” he says, voice sharp. “This discussion is necessary.”

“Not like this.” My voice drops lower, rougher, dragon bleeding into my tone. I feel the change in my eyes, the glow that betrays my nature. “She deserves time. Space to think.”

“Talon.” Viktor’s warning is clear, displeasure radiating from him at my display.

“He’s right,” Lila interjects, her gaze steady on Viktor. “I appreciate your honesty about what you want from me. But I won’t be pushed into another cage, no matter how pretty the bars.”

Viktor studies her, reassessing. “Not a cage. An alliance.”

“On my terms,” she says firmly. “I’ll make my own decisions about how and when to use what I know, what I can do.”

The air in the room changes, pressure building like the moment before a storm breaks. On the bedside table, a glass of water vibrates slightly, liquid trembling. A swirl of crimsonripples through it. Viktor’s eye narrows as he looks from Lila to the glass and back.

“Interesting,” he murmurs. “Your connection to the Shard appears to extend beyond physical contact.”

Lila looks startled for a moment before nodding. I suspect she didn’t know she was capable of this either, but she hides it well.

“Of course it does,” she says smoothly. “We’re bound by history. By blood.”

“Remarkable,” Viktor breathes, rising from his chair. “You have to use this power for our cause. You have no choice! Don’t you see, you—”

“I will always have choice. Always!” Her voice rises sharply, an edge to it that makes something tighten in my chest.

I cross to her side without thinking, my hand finding hers.

“Of course you will,” I say fiercely, shooting a dark glare at Viktor. “Nobody will ever take that away from you again.”

Her fingers curl around mine, drawing strength I gladly give. Her touch sends heat skittering beneath my skin, dragon instincts responding in ways I can’t fully control.

Viktor watches this exchange with sharp interest. “It seems we have much to discuss,” he says. “But perhaps you’re right, Talon. Rest first. We’ll continue this conversation when you’re stronger, Lila.”

She inclines her head slightly, acknowledgment but not agreement. “Tomorrow, then.”

Viktor’s mouth tightens, but he nods. “Tomorrow.” He moves toward the door, pausing to glance back at us. “The world is changing, Lila. Faster than any of us anticipated. I hope you’ll consider what role you want to play in that change.”

After he leaves, silence fills the room. Lila’s hand remains in mine, her pulse quick against my fingers. I should release her, give her space, but my body refuses to obey. The dragon in me wants her closer, not farther away.

“He’s intense,” she says finally.

“Five centuries will do that to a person.” I try for lightness, but my voice comes out rough.

Her eyes find mine, searching. “You stood up for me. Against your leader.”

“Viktor’s not my leader,” I correct. “He founded Aurora, yes. But we follow principles, not people.”

“And what principles are those?”

“Balance. Coexistence. A world where dragons find their place without domination or subjugation.” The words sound hollow, rehearsed. They are, in a way. The same words I’ve repeated for years.

“Pretty words,” she observes. “But what do they mean for my daughter? For me?”

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