"So," he said. "What is your answer? If you cannot marry my son, I'm sorry, but you cannot stay in this tribe."
Veer took a sharp step forward.
"Dad, what the hell are you talking about?" His voice pitched up, half anger, half disbelief. "Kaya can stay as long as she wants. You can't—"
"Veer." His father cut him off, voice iron. "I'm not talking to you. I am still the leader of this tribe. You and the others have to follow 'my' lead."
Veer's eyes flashed amber, the edges glowing faint with heat. His teeth ground together. "Dad, don't you dare force her. If you want, we can leave this tribe."
His father turned that glare back on him, matching fire with stone.
"Veer," he said slowly, "maybe you've forgotten that you are 'also' the tribe leader. You have responsibilities. You cannot throw them away just to protect one woman."
Veer opened his mouth to argue—
A small sound stopped him.
Laughter. Soft. Light.
