But as a force.
A mind.
A strategist.
Someone who did not simply accept the system—
But reimagined it entirely.
Caleb, beside her, exhaled slowly, a faint, almost disbelieving smile touching his lips.
“Of course you would think of something like this,” he murmured under his breath.
Not mocking.
Impressed.
Because once again—
She had exceeded every expectation placed on her.
The king finally spoke again, his voice quieter now—but carrying far more weight.
“You realize,” he said slowly, “that such a system would remove control from those who have held it for generations.”
His eyes sharpened.
“It would not be welcomed by everyone.”
Iva didn’t flinch.
“I know.”
A beat.
“But… isn’t the bond supposed to be chosen by the Goddess?”
Her question hung in the air.
Simple.
Yet imp
