Soraya's POV
Ronan's words hung in the air.
There's something you all must know.
My lungs refused to move. Every instinct in me snapped to attention, claws ready, heart racing.
If he exposed me—
If he even whispered my real name—
If he revealed what I was—
No one would touch me.
No one would touch Liam.
I would tear through anyone who tried.
I felt it, rising like a storm inside me—
a dangerous, ancient promise.
If they come for us, I will kill anyone who stands in my way.
I would grab my son, break through the nearest exit, and vanish into the night. Whatever it took. Whatever it cost.
But Ronan didn't look toward the pillars again.
Instead, he faced the table.
And he spoke.
"The three strongest kingdoms in the Western Territory—Blackwood, Silverfang, and Nightshade—are at war."
The hall fell silent.
My blood turned ice cold.
What?
I didn't know if I should feel relieved that what he said wasn't about me, or if I should be more worried.
