"You can't be serious." I stared at Kaelen across our bedroom, arms folded tightly across my chest. "You're leaving me behind?"
Kaelen's jaw tightened in that familiar way that told me he'd already made up his mind. Outside, the Silverholm night was calm, stars winking through crystal windows—a stark contrast to the storm brewing between us.
"It's not up for debate, Seraphina," he said, his voice level but firm. "I leave tomorrow, and you're staying here where it's safe."
I watched as he methodically packed items into a large duffel bag—clothes, documents, weapons I'd never seen before. Each item he added felt like another wall being built between us.
"So this diplomatic mission to rally the Vanaran Alphas—this critical mission that could determine whether we win this war—you don't think your Luna might be helpful?" I tried to keep my voice steady, but hurt and anger bled through. "I'm just supposed to sit here and... what? Knit booties for the baby?"
