Lila's breath came in short gasps as the space between Adrian and Caleb tightened, the tension snapping like an electric current in the air. The wolves behind Caleb snarled low, their bodies coiled and ready to strike.
Adrian, however, remained eerily calm. His eyes flicked to the vial still clutched in Lila's grip, and for the first time, she saw something beneath his composed exterior—concern.
Not for himself. Not for the battle about to unfold.
For her.
"Give me the vial, Lila," Adrian said, his voice soft, measured.
She tightened her grip. "No."
Caleb's golden eyes narrowed. "What's in it?"
Adrian tilted his head slightly, the firelight from the torches flickering against his sharp features. "A secret that should have remained buried."
Caleb took a step forward, his body taut with barely restrained aggression. "If it has anything to do with Lila, I deserve to know."
Adrian's gaze snapped to him, something cold settling in his expression. "You don't deserve anything."
