The hall was alive with relief and joy as Iman stepped forward, her strength slowly returning. Faces lit up, voices trembled, and the air carried the weight of survival.
Layla rushed first, tears streaming as she threw her arms around Iman. "Iman!" she cried, holding her tightly. "I thought we lost you… I thought—" Her voice broke, but her embrace said everything words could not.
Iman smiled faintly, her own eyes glistening. "I'm here, Layla. I'm safe… because of all of you."
Then Dorian stepped forward, his expression stern but softened by relief. He didn't move closer, but his voice carried across the room. "You scared us all," he said, low and steady. "I thought I'd have to burn the whole world down to get you back."
The words hung heavy in the air. Iman's lips parted, touched by his devotion, but she stayed at a distance.
Lucien's jaw tightened, jealousy sparking in his dark eyes. Burn the world for her? The thought gnawed at him like fire. His possessiveness surged, and before anyone could react, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Iman from behind.
She gasped softly, but then relaxed into his embrace, feeling the strength of his hold. His head lowered to her shoulder, his voice a whisper meant only for her. "You don't need the world burned," he murmured fiercely. "You only need me."
Layla's smile faltered, jealousy flickering in her eyes. She had been the first to embrace Iman, her tears proof of her love and loyalty. Yet now Lucien's embrace claimed her completely, leaving no doubt of who she belonged to.
Dorian's smirk lingered, unbothered by Lucien's reaction. "Protective, aren't you?" he teased, his tone edged with challenge.
Lucien's eyes flashed crimson as he tightened his hold. "Possessive," he corrected coldly. "She is mine."
Iman turned her head slightly, meeting Lucien's gaze. Her lips curved into a faint smile, her voice soft but steady.
"I almost lost you," he whispered fiercely.
"But you didn't," she replied, her hand brushing his arm. "And now… I want forever."