"It appears she disagrees."
Rafael's jaw flexed like he was considering suing biology.
Alexandra watched him with the bright, merciless delight of someone who had never once been burdened by restraint. "She's clinging like he's a holy relic," she whispered, scandalized and thrilled. "I'm going to tell everyone she's already pledged allegiance."
"You are going to tell no one anything," Rafael said, voice low.
Gabriel, traitor, adjusted Natalie closer with a movement so practiced it bordered on unfair. He simply held her with a steady grip, and Natalie responded like she'd been waiting her whole short life to find a chest that didn't shake with nerves.
Arik leaned forward again, curious, his attention caught by the tiny hand gripping Gabriel's collar. His brows pinched, the same expression Damian wore when he decided a war was personal.
He reached.
"Arik," Gabriel said softly.
Arik froze.
