Elara barely slept.

She remained beside the nursery window long after the servants had left, her fingers resting protectively over the secret hidden beneath her nightgown. The house had grown quiet, but the silence did nothing to calm the thoughts racing through her mind. Cassian had brought Seraphina into their home, moved her belongings into the nursery Elara had spent months preparing, and openly acknowledged that the child growing inside another woman belonged to him.

Yet beneath all of that was something Elara could not ignore.

The succession law.

If Seraphina’s child was recognized before hers, the child could stand ahead of hers in the line of succession. Her baby would enter a world where its position had already been decided by a woman who had been given the room Elara had built for it.

She could no longer afford to remain silent.

By dawn, Elara had made her decision.

She would tell Cassian.

But she would not tell him as the frightened woman who had once believed her pregnancy would save their marriage. She would tell him because her child had a right to be protected, and because she needed to know exactly what he intended to do with that right.

She had barely finished dressing when the bedroom door opened.

Cassian stepped inside alone.

His expression was tired, his dark hair still slightly disheveled from the night, but there was something guarded in his eyes that made Elara straighten immediately.

He closed the door behind him and studied her for several seconds before speaking.

“Are you still angry with me?” Cassian asked, his jaw tightening as he watched her guarded expression.

Elara gave a quiet, humorless smile and folded her arms across her chest.

“You moved another woman into the nursery I built for my child, told the elders her baby may inherit this pack, and expected me to sleep peacefully beside you,” she replied, her eyes steady despite the ache beneath them. “What answer were you expecting?”

Cassian’s expression hardened, but he did not immediately argue.

“I expected you to be hurt,” he admitted, lowering his gaze briefly before meeting hers again. “I did not expect you to understand overnight.”

“You’re right,” Elara said, her voice controlled as she stepped closer. “I don’t understand. I don’t understand how you can stand there and tell me that I am still your Luna while everything that should have belonged to my family is being handed to someone else.”

Cassian drew a slow breath, his shoulders tense.

“Seraphina is carrying my child, Elara. Whatever happened between us, I cannot pretend that child does not exist,” he explained, his expression solemn as he held her gaze.

“And what about mine?” Elara demanded, her voice breaking through the restraint she had fought to maintain.

The question left her mouth before she could soften it.

Cassian froze.

Elara reached into the drawer beside the bed and pulled out the pregnancy test she had hidden there the night before. Her fingers tightened around it as she held it between them.

“I am carrying your child too,” she said, her voice trembling despite her effort to remain composed. “Four weeks.”

For several heartbeats, Cassian did not move.

His eyes dropped to the test.

Then slowly returned to her face.

“Elara…” he whispered, the shock in his voice unmistakable as his eyes widened.

She watched as the meaning settled over him. His rigid posture broke, his lips parted, and something almost painfully human crossed his face.

“You’re pregnant?” Cassian asked, staring at her with stunned disbelief as his eyes dropped instinctively toward her stomach.

Elara nodded, her eyes glistening.

“Yes,” she confirmed softly, lowering her gaze as her hand moved protectively over her abdomen.

Cassian crossed the space between them so quickly that she instinctively stepped back, but he stopped himself before touching her. His eyes remained fixed on her stomach as if he could somehow see the tiny life growing there.

“Five years,” he murmured, his voice rough with emotion as he shook his head in disbelief. “We waited five years.”

Elara’s chest tightened.

For a brief moment, she saw the man she had loved before everything had become complicated. The man who had once promised her that their child would be the strongest heir Nightfang had ever known. The man who had held her through every failed attempt and told her that being wolf-less did not make her less worthy of his love.

But the moment passed.

Cassian’s expression changed as the reality of the situation caught up with him.

“You should have told me immediately,” he said, his brows drawing together as he looked at her with restrained frustration.

Elara stared at him in disbelief.

“I wanted to,” she answered, her lips pressing together as hurt flickered across her face. “But yesterday you told me another woman’s child was yours, and before I could tell you about mine, you left with her.”

Cassian’s face tightened with guilt.

“I didn’t know,” he replied quietly, lowering his eyes as remorse crossed his features.

“No,” Elara said, shaking her head slowly as tears gathered in her eyes. “You didn’t, I was about to inform you.”

Silence settled between them.

Then Cassian moved closer, his expression conflicted.

“Does anyone else know?” he asked, his gaze sharpening as he studied her face.

“No,” Elara answered firmly, her fingers tightening around the pregnancy test.

“Not even the healer?” Cassian asked, his brows furrowing with concern.

“No,” she replied, shaking her head.

Cassian looked toward the door, thinking.

Elara noticed the change immediately.

“You’re already thinking about the council,” she said, her expression falling as she watched his attention shift away from her.

His eyes returned to hers.

“I have to,” Cassian answered, his face tense with the weight of the decision.

The answer hurt more than she expected.

“You just found out that I’m carrying the child we’ve waited five years for, and your first thought is the council?” Elara asked, her voice trembling as disbelief and disappointment battled across her face.

Cassian’s face softened, but his voice remained firm.

“Because I am Alpha before I am anything else. If I make a decision based only on what I feel, I could put the entire succession at risk,” he explained, his expression troubled as he tried to make her understand.

“And if you make every decision based on the pack, what am I supposed to be?” Elara asked, her brows drawing together as she fought back tears. “Your Luna when it is convenient? Your mate when you need loyalty? Or the woman you expect to step aside while another woman gives you the heir everyone wants?”

Cassian’s jaw clenched.

“You are my mate and my Luna,” he replied firmly, his eyes holding hers as though he expected those words to settle the matter.

“Then prove it,” Elara demanded, her chin lifting as she refused to look away.

He looked at her silently.

Elara took another step toward him.

“Send Seraphina away,” she said, her voice steady despite the pain in her eyes.

Cassian’s expression immediately changed.

“No,” he answered, his face hardening as he shook his head.

The single word landed heavily between them.

Elara stared at him.

“You didn’t even think about it,” she said, her voice cracking as disappointment flashed across her face.

“I don’t need to think about whether I will abandon my child,” Cassian replied, his voice firm as he shook his head. “I won’t.”

“I didn’t ask you to abandon the child,” Elara said, her eyes burning with restrained anger as she stepped closer. “I asked you to stop treating its mother like she belongs in the center of our marriage.”

“Seraphina is carrying my child. She has protection under pack law,” Cassian explained, his expression becoming guarded as he tried to hold his ground.

“And I am carrying yours,” Elara shot back, her hand pressing against her stomach as her voice trembled.

“I know,” Cassian replied, his expression pained as he looked toward her abdomen.

“Then why isn’t that enough?” Elara asked, tears finally gathering in her eyes.

Cassian looked at her for a long moment before answering.

“Because it changes nothing about the fact that both children are mine,” he said, his voice low and conflicted as he watched the hurt spread across her face.

Elara felt something inside her sink.

There it was.

The answer she had been afraid of.

Her pregnancy had not erased Seraphina.

It had only created two heirs.

And suddenly, she understood why the succession law mattered so much.

“If both children survive,” she said quietly, her brows tightening as she searched his face, “what happens?”

Cassian’s expression became guarded.

“The council will determine succession according to pack law,” he answered, his shoulders stiffening.

“And the first recognized heir gets priority,” Elara said, her voice growing quieter as realization settled over her.

Cassian did not answer immediately.

That silence was enough.

Elara’s hand moved instinctively toward her stomach.

“So my child could be born into this world already second,” she whispered, her face paling.

Cassian’s face tightened.

“That is not what I want,” he said, his expression pained as he took a cautious step toward her.

“But it is what the law allows,” Elara replied, her eyes filling with tears as she looked at him.

He stepped toward her, his voice softening.

“Elara, listen to me. I will not allow anyone to strip you of your position,” Cassian promised, his gaze steady as he tried to reassure her.

“You keep talking about my position,” she said, her eyes shining with tears. “I am talking about my child.”

Cassian reached for her hand.

This time, she pulled it away.

His expression fell.

“You’re afraid,” he said quietly, watching her with concern as his hand slowly dropped back to his side.

“Yes,” Elara admitted, her voice barely above a whisper as she pressed a hand over her stomach. “Because I finally have something precious enough to lose.”

Cassian’s eyes lingered on her face.

“I won’t let them hurt you,” he promised, his expression filled with determination.

Elara gave a bitter smile.

“You already did,” she whispered, turning her face away as a tear slipped down her cheek.

He flinched.

Before he could respond, a sharp knock sounded against the door.

Cassian turned toward it.

A guard stood outside when the door opened, his posture rigid.

“Alpha, the Beta is waiting in the council chamber,” the guard reported, keeping his eyes lowered respectfully. “He wants to discuss Seraphina and the succession issue before the council gathers.”

Cassian’s expression hardened.

“I’ll be there,” he replied, his jaw tightening as he glanced back at Elara.

He turned toward her.

“I need you to remain here until I return,” Cassian said, his expression troubled as he tried to keep his voice calm.

Elara’s eyes narrowed.

“You’re ordering me to stay?” she asked, her arms folding across her chest as suspicion replaced the sadness in her expression.

“I am asking you to stay,” Cassian replied, his brows drawn together as he fought to keep his voice gentle. “The council will need to know about your pregnancy, and I need time to decide how to present this without turning the pack against you.”

“You mean without letting them know that your Luna is carrying the heir you spent five years waiting for,” Elara said, her voice edged with bitterness as she stared at him.

Cassian’s mouth tightened.

“That isn’t what I meant,” he answered, his expression troubled as he shook his head.

“Then what did you mean?” Elara demanded, her eyes fixed on him.

He had no answer that could satisfy her.

Elara turned away from him.

“Go,” she said quietly, her face hardening as she refused to meet his eyes.

Cassian remained still for another moment, clearly reluctant to leave.

Then he walked toward the door.

“Elara,” he said, pausing with his hand on the handle, his expression troubled as he looked back at her. “Whatever happens in that council chamber, you are still my mate.”

She turned to face him, her eyes cold with disappointment.

“Then stop using the bond as a reason to keep me trapped in a life I no longer recognize,” she replied, her voice steady despite the pain in her expression.

Cassian’s expression tightened.

He left without answering.

The door closed.

A second later, Elara heard the unmistakable sound of the lock sliding into place.

Her heart dropped.

She crossed the room and tried the handle.

It did not move.

“Cassian,” she called, her voice rising as she stared at the locked door. “Open this door.”

No answer came.

She knocked again, harder this time.

“Alpha!” Elara shouted, her palm striking the wooden door as anger and fear tightened her voice.

A guard finally spoke from the other side.

“Forgive me, Luna, but Alpha ordered that you remain inside until the council session is over,” the guard said, his voice uncomfortable as he shifted outside the door.

Elara’s fingers curled around the handle.

“I am your Luna. You are not supposed to imprison me,” she said, her breathing becoming heavier as she fought to keep her composure.

“You are not being imprisoned,” the guard replied uneasily, his voice hesitant as he remained outside. “You are being kept here under the Alpha’s direct order until the succession matter is settled.”

The distinction meant nothing to her.

Elara stepped away from the door, her anger giving way to exhaustion. She had eaten almost nothing since the previous evening, and the stress of the past two days had left her body trembling.

She pressed a hand against her stomach.

“Please,” she whispered, closing her eyes as her other hand rested protectively over her abdomen. “Just stay with me.”

A wave of dizziness suddenly swept over her.

She grabbed the edge of the table.

The room tilted.

Elara tried to steady herself, but her knees weakened beneath her.

She reached for the door.

“Guard…” she called weakly, her voice barely carrying through the room.

Outside, the guard shifted closer.

“Luna?” he asked, his expression tightening with concern as he listened to her weakened voice.

“I need water,” Elara whispered, her breathing becoming shallow. “And something to eat.”

There was a pause.

“I’ll see what I can do,” the guard answered, his voice uncertain as he moved away from the door.

Elara tried to remain standing.

But she failed.

Her shoulder struck the edge of the table before she crumpled onto the floor, one hand instinctively covering her stomach.

The last thing she heard before darkness swallowed her was the guard shouting for someone to summon the healer.

And somewhere beyond the locked door, the future of Nightfang Pack was already being decided without her.

Darkness swallowed Elara completely.

Somewhere beyond it, voices drifted toward her, distant and muffled, as though she were trapped beneath deep water.

“Luna Elara collapsed in her room,” the guard reported urgently as he hurried into the healer’s chamber. “She asked for food and water before she fell.”

The elderly healer immediately rose, concern tightening her expression.

“Take me to her,” the healer ordered, grabbing her medicine pouch before following him toward the Alpha House.

When they reached Elara’s room, the healer hurried inside and found her lying motionless on the floor, one hand curled protectively over her abdomen.

“Help me lift her onto the bed,” the healer instructed, her brows furrowing as she knelt beside Elara and checked her breathing.

The guard quickly obeyed.

Once Elara was settled, the healer pressed two fingers against her wrist. Her expression changed when she felt the weak pulse.

“She has barely eaten,” the guard explained anxiously, lowering his gaze. “She asked for food and water, but I had to wait for permission.”

The healer’s eyes sharpened.

“You should have brought them immediately,” she scolded, her voice firm as she examined Elara’s pale face.

“The Alpha ordered that no one disturb her until the council session,” the guard replied uneasily.

“Orders do not override a Luna’s health,” the healer said sharply before turning her attention back to Elara.

She placed her palm gently over Elara’s abdomen and closed her eyes.

A faint pulse of energy moved beneath her hand.

The healer’s expression shifted from concern to surprise.

“She is pregnant,” she whispered, her eyes widening as she examined Elara again.

The guard stared at her.

“But the Luna never told anyone.”

“She may not have known until recently,” the healer replied thoughtfully. “She is very early in the pregnancy.”

“Should I inform the Alpha?” the guard asked, his voice uncertain.

The healer glanced toward the locked door before looking back at Elara.

“Not yet,” she answered firmly. “She should wake up before anyone makes decisions concerning her child.”

The guard hesitated.

“But Alpha Cassian—”

“I said not yet,” the healer repeated, her stern expression silencing him.

“Yes, Healer,” the guard murmured before leaving.

The healer gently cleaned the cut on Elara’s shoulder and prepared a restorative drink.

“You poor child,” she murmured, brushing a strand of hair from Elara’s face. “You carried this secret alone.”

Hours later, the council chamber was crowded.

Cassian stood at the head of the table while Gideon Blackwood faced him.

“Alpha, the council cannot continue avoiding this matter,” Gideon said firmly, his hands clasped behind his back. “Seraphina is carrying your child. The pack needs certainty.”

Cassian’s jaw tightened.

“I have already said I will take responsibility for the child,” he replied, his gaze hardening.

“The elders want to know whether you intend to recognize the child as your heir,” Gideon pressed, his expression serious.

“The child is mine,” Cassian answered, his shoulders stiffening. “Of course I will recognize it.”

Murmurs spread through the chamber.

Elder Rowan leaned forward.

“And what of Luna Elara?” he asked carefully.

Cassian’s eyes hardened.

“She remains my Luna.”

“But if the Luna is also carrying your child, the succession becomes complicated,” another elder said, his fingers tightening around the table. “Two heirs from two mothers cannot be treated as though there is no conflict.”

“I know,” Cassian replied, his voice controlled.

Gideon stepped closer.

“Then you must decide which child will stand first.”

Cassian’s hands curled into fists.

“No,” he said coldly. “The child has not even been born.”

“That is precisely why the council is meeting,” Gideon countered. “We cannot wait until both children are born before deciding how the law applies.”

Before Cassian could answer, the doors opened.

A guard entered hurriedly.

“Alpha,” he called, his breathing uneven.

Cassian turned sharply.

“What is it?”

“The healer has been summoned to the Alpha House,” the guard replied nervously. “Luna Elara collapsed.”

The room went silent.

Cassian’s face drained of color.

“She what?”

“She collapsed in her room, Alpha. The healer is treating her now.”

Cassian immediately turned toward the doors.

Gideon followed him.

“Alpha, the council isn’t finished,” the Beta reminded him, his expression tense.

“My wife has collapsed,” Cassian snapped, his eyes flashing with anger. “You can continue without me.”

“But Seraphina?”

“Enough,” Cassian cut in, his voice leaving no room for argument.

He strode away, his thoughts consumed by Elara.

He had left her angry.

He had locked her inside their room.

And now she had collapsed.

When Cassian reached the Alpha House, the healer was waiting outside Elara’s bedroom.

“How is she?” he demanded, his breathing heavy as he approached her.

“She is stable,” the healer replied sternly. “But she is exhausted and severely weakened. She needs food, water, and rest.”

Cassian looked toward the bedroom.

“Can I see her?”

“She is awake now,” the healer answered before catching his arm. “But there is something you need to understand.”

Cassian looked at her.

“What?”

The healer lowered her voice.

“Luna Elara is pregnant.”

Cassian froze.

“I know,” he admitted quietly. “She told me this morning.”

The healer’s expression hardened.

“And yet she collapsed while locked inside her room?”

Guilt crossed Cassian’s face.

“I ordered her to remain there while I attended the council.”

“You ordered a pregnant Luna to remain alone without ensuring she had food or water,” the healer said disapprovingly. “Whatever your reasons were, Alpha, that cannot happen again.”

Cassian lowered his gaze.

“I understand.”

The healer stepped aside.

“She needs peace. Not another argument.”

“I won’t argue with her,” Cassian promised, his expression troubled.

He opened the door.

Elara was sitting against the headboard, her face pale and exhausted. A bowl of warm broth rested beside her, untouched.

“Elara,” Cassian said softly, his face filled with concern.

She looked away.

“Why are you here?” she asked weakly, her fingers tightening around the blanket.

“You collapsed,” Cassian replied, his brows drawing together.

“I know.”

“You frightened me,” he admitted, stepping closer.

Elara finally looked at him.

“You locked me in here.”

Cassian fell silent.

“And then you came back because I collapsed, not because you remembered that I was your wife,” she added bitterly, her eyes glistening.

“Elara, that isn’t fair,” Cassian replied, pain crossing his face.

She gave him a faint, bitter smile.

“Isn’t it?”

He had no answer.

Her hand moved protectively over her stomach.

“The healer told you.”

Cassian nodded.

“She did.”

“I didn’t want the whole pack to know yet,” Elara admitted, her voice guarded.

“Why?” Cassian asked, his expression softening.

“Because I needed time to understand what was happening,” she answered, holding his gaze. “I needed to know whether my child would be protected or treated like another piece on your succession table.”

Cassian’s jaw tightened.

“Your child will be protected.”

“By whom?” Elara asked quietly. “You?”

“Yes,” Cassian answered immediately.

“Then why did you lock me inside this room?”

His expression faltered.

“I thought I was protecting you from the council and the pack.”

“You don’t get to decide what protects me anymore,” Elara replied firmly, turning her face away.

Cassian stood motionless.

“Elara, I know I have hurt you,” he said, regret visible in his expression. “But I don’t want to lose you.”

Her eyes lifted to his.

“You already lost me.”

Cassian’s face fell.

Before he could respond, footsteps approached outside the room.

A moment later, Gideon’s voice sounded through the door.

“Alpha, the council has reached a decision.”

Cassian turned toward the door.

Elara’s fingers tightened around the blanket.

Neither of them knew what the council had decided.

But whatever waited beyond that door was about to change the future of Nightfang Pack—and their family.

Cassian stared at the bedroom door for several seconds before finally turning toward Elara.

Gideon’s voice came again from the other side.

“Alpha, the council is waiting,” Gideon called from outside, his voice carrying a note of urgency.

Cassian’s jaw tightened. He looked at Elara, who remained against the headboard with one hand resting protectively over her stomach.

“I have to go,” he said quietly, his expression troubled.

Elara held his gaze.

“Then go,” she replied, her face unreadable as she turned slightly away from him.

Cassian hesitated.

“I will come back,” he promised, his eyes lingering on her face.

“You said that before,” Elara answered softly, turning her eyes toward the window.

The words stopped him.

He wanted to respond, but nothing he could say would erase what had happened.

Cassian finally stepped outside and closed the door behind him.

Gideon stood in the corridor with two guards.

“What did the council decide?” Cassian asked, his expression hardening as he faced his Beta.

Gideon exchanged a brief glance with the guards before answering.

“They want both pregnancies officially recorded,” he replied, his expression serious.

Cassian’s eyes narrowed.

“Both?” he asked, his brows drawing together in surprise.

“Yes,” Gideon replied, his expression remaining grave. “The council has ruled that neither child can be given formal succession priority before birth.”

Cassian’s shoulders relaxed slightly.

“That is reasonable,” he said, his voice calmer.

“It isn’t the entire decision,” Gideon warned, his face tightening with concern.

Cassian’s expression changed.

“What else?” he demanded, his gaze sharpening.

Gideon lowered his voice.

“Until the children are born, Seraphina will remain under the protection of the Alpha House,” he explained, his expression guarded.

Cassian frowned.

“She is already here,” he replied, his brows furrowing.

“The council wants her treated as the mother of a potential heir,” Gideon explained, his brows drawn together. “That means she will receive protection, medical care, and access to the nursery.”

Cassian’s gaze darkened.

“And Elara?” he asked, his voice becoming colder.

Gideon paused.

“The Luna retains her title and authority,” he answered carefully, watching Cassian’s reaction.

Cassian exhaled slowly.

“But?” he asked, his expression tightening.

“But the council wants both mothers protected under pack law,” Gideon replied. “They are also requesting that the two children be raised within the pack, regardless of which one eventually becomes heir.”

Cassian stared at him.

“They haven’t even been born,” he said, his expression hardening with disbelief.

“I know,” Gideon said heavily, his shoulders dropping slightly. “But the council wants to prevent conflict before it begins.”

Cassian’s jaw clenched.

“What about the nursery?” he asked, his voice low.

Gideon looked uncomfortable.

“They want Seraphina to continue using it,” he replied reluctantly.

Cassian’s expression hardened.

“That room belongs to Elara,” he said firmly, his eyes flashing with irritation.

“It was chosen because it is closest to the healer’s wing,” Gideon replied carefully, his expression apologetic. “The council believes moving Seraphina now could endanger the child.”

Cassian said nothing.

The decision left him trapped between two responsibilities.

His pack expected him to protect Seraphina’s unborn child.

His wife expected him to protect her.

And somehow, he had to do both without destroying his marriage.

“Anything else?” he asked coldly, his expression unreadable.

Gideon hesitated.

“Yes,” he replied, his face growing more serious.

Cassian looked at him.

“The elders want the Luna’s pregnancy announced to the pack tomorrow,” Gideon said, his voice cautious.

Cassian’s eyes widened slightly.

“No,” he replied immediately, his expression firm.

Gideon’s brows lifted.

“Alpha—” he began cautiously.

“Elara hasn’t agreed to that,” Cassian said firmly, his expression becoming protective. “The pack doesn’t need to know yet.”

“The council believes secrecy could create more suspicion,” Gideon countered, his expression tense. “If Seraphina’s pregnancy is already known and the Luna’s is hidden, the elders fear the pack will assume the Luna has no heir.”

Cassian’s hands curled into fists.

“I said no,” he repeated, his voice dropping into a warning.

Gideon studied him for a moment.

“Then you will need to convince the council yourself,” he replied, his expression resigned.

Cassian turned toward Elara’s room.

“I will,” he said firmly, determination settling across his face.

Inside the bedroom, Elara had heard enough.

She couldn’t make out every word, but she had heard the names.

Seraphina.

Her pregnancy.

The nursery.

The council.

She slowly pushed herself upright.

Her mind raced.

The council had made rules about her child without asking her.

She looked toward the door.

This time, she wasn’t going to wait for Cassian to tell her what had been decided.

When Cassian eventually returned, Elara was sitting at the edge of the bed.

He stopped when he saw her.

“You should still be resting,” he said, concern visible on his face as he looked her over.

“I heard the council,” Elara replied, her voice calm as she held his gaze.

Cassian’s expression tightened.

“You weren’t supposed to hear that,” he said, his brows drawing together.

“I am the Luna,” she reminded him, lifting her chin with quiet confidence. “And this is my child.”

Cassian stepped closer.

“They want your pregnancy announced tomorrow,” he said, his expression troubled.

Elara’s fingers tightened around the blanket.

“Do you want them to announce it?” she asked, her eyes searching his face.

Cassian shook his head.

“No,” he answered firmly, his expression resolute.

“Why?” she asked, her brows drawing together.

“Because I want you to decide when you’re ready,” he answered, his expression sincere.

Elara studied him.

“And Seraphina?” she asked quietly, her expression guarded.

“What about her?” Cassian asked cautiously, his shoulders stiffening.

“Will she still have the nursery?” Elara asked, her voice controlled despite the hurt in her eyes.

Cassian hesitated.

“Yes,” he answered reluctantly, his gaze dropping for a moment.

Elara looked away.

She had expected the answer, but hearing it still hurt.

“They are protecting her because she is carrying your child,” she said quietly, her expression wounded.

“They are protecting the child,” Cassian corrected, his expression tense.

Elara looked back at him.

“And mine?” she asked, her eyebrows drawing together.

Cassian moved closer.

“Yours too,” he answered immediately, his voice firm.

“Then prove it,” she replied, her expression steady.

He frowned.

“How?” he asked, his face showing confusion.

“Stop making decisions for me,” Elara said firmly, her eyes holding his.

Cassian went still.

Elara placed her hand over her abdomen.

“I don’t need you to lock me away. I don’t need you to speak for me. And I don’t need you to promise that everything will be fine,” she said, her voice controlled but firm.

Her eyes hardened.

“I need to know the laws that govern my child,” she added, her expression determined.

Cassian watched her carefully.

“You want to meet the council?” he asked, his brows lifting slightly.

“Yes,” Elara answered immediately, her expression determined. “Tomorrow.”

“Elara, you’re still weak,” Cassian warned, concern returning to his face.

“I collapsed because I was locked in a room without food or water,” she replied, her voice controlled. “Not because I am incapable of standing before the council.”

Cassian’s face tightened with guilt.

“You shouldn’t have to fight them,” he said quietly, regret visible in his eyes.

“I shouldn’t have to fight you either,” Elara replied, her expression pained.

Silence filled the room.

Cassian lowered his gaze.

“I will take you to the council tomorrow,” he promised, his voice subdued.

Elara nodded.

“Good,” she replied calmly.

He moved toward the door, but her voice stopped him.

“Cassian,” she called softly, her expression suddenly serious.

He turned.

“If they expect me to fight for my child’s place, then I will,” she said, her voice steady and determined.

Her expression was calm, but something in her eyes had changed.

She was no longer waiting for someone to save her.

Cassian stared at her for a long moment before slowly nodding.

“I know,” he said quietly, his expression filled with understanding.

He left the room.

Elara waited until the door closed.

Then she looked down at her stomach.

“My child,” she whispered, her fingers resting gently over the tiny life inside her, “I don’t know what this pack will take from us.”

Her eyes hardened.

“But I won’t let them decide your future without a fight,” she vowed, her expression resolute.

Outside the room, footsteps stopped.

Cassian stood in the corridor, having heard her final words.

Elara was changing.

And if the council tried to push her into a corner, she would no longer simply endure it.

She would fight back.