Lyra's POV
The meeting felt like it was winding down. I could sense it in the way Elder Gideon began collecting his documents, each movement measured and final. Dorian was already leaning back in his chair, his body language suggesting he'd mentally checked out. Even Elder Beatrice's sharp focus seemed to soften, her eyes taking on that distant quality people got when they considered a matter closed.
Then Kaelen's voice cut through the settling quiet.
"We need time to prepare."
The words weren't a demand, though I could feel the effort it took him to keep them measured. His control was a living thing between us, taut and carefully maintained.
"Just a few hours," he continued. "My mate has endured enough already. I should be with her."
Elder Gideon's hands went still against his papers. He didn't resume his seat, but he wasn't leaving either.
"I'm afraid that won't be possible," he said.
