Lucian
My father’s expression was carved in stone, the weight of his presence pressing against the air. It didn’t faze me, but I could see Mara struggling with it—her posture tight, her gaze fixed anywhere but on him.
“You need to calm down, Father,” I said, glancing toward where she sat on the couch. She looked uncomfortable, bothered.
He drew in a few slow breaths, trying—failing—to let go of some of the heat in his temper. Seeing the strain in his restraint, I offered him a way out.
“Why don’t we head back home? We can discuss how to move forward there.”
His eyes shifted to Mara. “I want Darian, Rowan, and Mara there. We need all the wisdom we can get.”
Mara’s eyes widened in surprise, and I could feel the wave of disbelief and pride radiating off her. Vander had never invited her
