I didn't sleep that night.
Not really.
The walls of Lucien's fortress weren't cold, but they felt like stone anyway. No matter how thick the blankets, or how high the fire burned, a part of me stayed frozen — waiting for a key to rattle or chains to clang.
But none came.
No guards. No silver. No dungeon.
Just quiet.
---
By morning, I was sitting on the edge of the bed, arms wrapped around my knees, when a knock came.
I didn't answer.
Cain entered anyway, carrying a tray.
"Your breakfast," he said, his voice softer than yesterday. "And your clothes."
He set the tray on a small table. Sliced fruit. Eggs. Tea.
I didn't move.
"Lucien wants to see you," he added. "And not because you tried to run."
I glanced at him. "Then why?"
Cain smirked faintly. "Because you're not a prisoner, Celia. You're a piece on the board now."
---
The main chamber was brighter than I expected. Morning light poured through skylights above, painting gold across stone columns. Lucien stood near the hearth, a scroll in one hand, his black coat dusted with ash.
His eyes lifted when I entered.
Not surprised. Just focused.
He studied me — not like a man studies a woman, but like a king studies a storm.
"You look stronger," he said.
"I'm still leaving," I replied.
He didn't flinch. Just nodded.
"Then let's talk about how."
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
Lucien set the scroll aside.
"You have a bounty on your head. Three thousand silver coins. Enough to make even loyal wolves turn. You can't run blind anymore."
"Then what do you suggest?"
"A deal."
I folded my arms. "What kind of deal?"
Lucien stepped closer, slow and calm, like approaching a wounded animal.
"You stay here," he said. "Until the child is born. I offer protection, shelter, and discretion. In return, you allow my court to register the baby as mine. Officially."
I stared at him.
"No branding? No claiming?"
"No."
"No mating mark?"
"Unless you ask for one," he added, voice barely above a murmur.
My heart thumped.
"And if I say no?"
"Then I'll still protect you," he said. "But not from everyone."
---
I didn't answer him.
Not right away.
Instead, I walked to the window.
The fog was lifting outside. Birds wheeled through the peaks. But something strange moved in the valley — a small shape, gliding through the mist. A hawk.
Lucien followed my gaze.
"That's not one of mine."
A moment later, the hawk dropped a silver-tied scroll at the door.
Cain appeared instantly, catching it before it hit the floor. He brought it to Lucien, his face unreadable.
Lucien unrolled the message.
His jaw tightened.
"What is it?" I asked.
He looked up. His voice was steady, but there was an edge to it now.
"The Council wants you summoned. Not Damien. The Elders."
"For what?"
"They want to confirm the pregnancy."
My stomach dropped.
"You can't let them—"
"They won't take you. Not without a fight," he said. "But this changes everything."
He walked away, pacing now, unreadable.
I stared at the scroll still clutched in his hand.
"They know," I whispered.
"They suspect," Lucien corrected. "But suspicion is all it takes."
---
I didn't speak for a long time.
The fire crackled between us.
Then I said the one thing I never thought I would.
"I'll stay."
Lucien stopped pacing.
I looked him in the eyes.
"But not because I trust you. And not because I believe your pretty deal."
He stepped closer, slowly.
"Then why?"
I pressed my hand to my stomach.
"Because I'm not the only one in danger now."
His gaze dropped there, to the curve just beginning to show.
He nodded once.
And for the first time, I saw it — not power, not control… but reverence.
Like he understood exactly what I was carrying.