MAYA'S POV
(LATE EVENING)
I found them in Lyra's office. The tension was thick enough to choke on.
"Maya." Lyra stood immediately. "I was just coming to find you—"
"I heard." I looked between them. "Darius wants to politically mate you to save the sanctuary."
"It's just legal," Darius said quickly. "No romantic bond. No actual—"
"I know what political mating is." I leaned against the doorframe, forcing myself to think past the jealousy clawing at my chest. "And I know it's brilliant."
Lyra's eyes widened. "Maya—"
"The Council can't touch a sanctuary run by a properly mated pair. The pack bonds transfer to Darius's authority. Legally, it's airtight." I swallowed hard. "Emotionally, it's hell. But it works."
"You're okay with this?" Lyra whispered.
"No." I moved closer. "I'm furious and terrified and jealous. But I'm also practical. If this saves the sanctuary—saves the children—then we do it."
"Maya, I love you—"
