Chapter 78 Not In Your Presence
ARYA
Luca was quiet for a long moment. His jaw clenched tight, clearly battling every protective instinct he had.
“I think it’s brilliant and terrifying in equal measure,” he finally said. “I think it could save lives or get us all killed. And I think—” He sighed. “I think it’s exactly the kind of move a true leader makes. Offering peace even to enemies.”
“So we do it?”
“We do it. But with conditions.” He began marking up the map. “They enter unarmed. They submit to magical screening. They’re seated in sections we control. And if anyone makes a move against you, the deal is off, and they’re all forfeit.”
“Agreed.”
“I’ll draft the invitation,” Bardon said. “Make it official and binding. If they accept, they’re bound by summit laws to keep the peace.”
“And if they refuse?”
“Then we know for certain they’re here for violence, and we prepare accordingly.” Luca’s expression was grim. “Either way, at least we’ll know what we’re facing.”
The meeting continued for another hour, refining the plan, establishing contingencies. By the time we finished, my head was spinning with details.
“I need air,” I announced, heading for the door.
“I’ll come—” Luca started.
“Alone. Just for a few minutes. Please.”
He looked like he wanted to argue, but Caspian put a hand on his shoulder. “Let her breathe, brother. She’ll be within the wards. She’s safe.”
Reluctantly, Luca nodded.
I made my way to the Moonwell, the sacred spring at the heart of the temple. It had become my refuge over the past few days. The one place where I felt truly connected to my heritage.
The water shimmered in the afternoon light, crystal clear and pure. I knelt beside it, trailing my fingers through the surface.
‘Grandmother,’ I thought. ‘I hope I’m doing the right thing.’
No answer came, but the water seemed to glow a little brighter.
“Talking to dead ancestors?” A familiar voice made me jump.
I turned to find Jaime standing at the edge of the clearing, hands in his pockets, looking uncertain.
“What are you doing here?” I demanded. “The summit doesn’t start until tomorrow.”
“I came early. I wanted to…” He trailed off, moving closer. “Wanted to make sure you were alright. I heard about the cleansing ritual. About what you faced.”
“I’m fine.”
“Are you?” He studied my face. “You look exhausted. Stressed. Like you’re carrying the weight of the world.”
“Because I am.” I stood, crossing my arms. “What do you really want, Jaime?”
“To apologize. Again. Properly this time.” He took a breath. “I’ve had a lot of time to think about what I did. About how I treated you. And Arya, I—I was a fool. A coward. I let others dictate my choices, let pride blind me to what really mattered.”
“I know. You’ve said all this before.”
“But you need to hear it again. Need to know that I genuinely, truly am sorry.” He moved closer, and I noticed dark circles under his eyes. “I can’t sleep. My wolf won’t let me. He’s constantly howling, grieving what we lost. What I destroyed.”
“Jaime—”
“I’m not asking for forgiveness. I don’t deserve it. I’m just—” His voice cracked. “I’m asking you to know that losing you was the worst mistake of my life. And that if I could go back, if I could change anything—”
“But you can’t.” I said it gently but firmly. “We can’t change the past. We can only move forward.”
“I know. That’s why I’m here.” He squared his shoulders. “I brought fifty of my best warriors. They’re yours to command during the summit. Whatever you need, however I can help. I’m here.”
The offer surprised me. “Why?”
“Because it’s the right thing to do. Because I want to support what you’re building, even if I can’t be part of it personally.” He managed a sad smile. “And because maybe, if I help you succeed, if I contribute to this vision of unity, maybe I can live with myself again.”
Before I could respond, a low growl echoed from behind me.
Luca emerged from the temple, his expression thunderous. “What are you doing here, Blackthorne?”
“Offering assistance, Your Majesty.” Jaime’s tone was carefully respectful. “My warriors are at your disposal.”
“I don’t want your warriors. I want you away from my mate.”
“Luca,” I said warningly.
“No.” He moved to stand beside me, radiating menace. “You don’t get to show up here, speak with her privately, offer help like that absolves you of five years of mistreatment.”
“I’m not seeking absolution—”
“You’re seeking proximity. Finding a way to gain access. A way back into her life.” Luca stepped forward, and I felt his power pressing against the air. “Let me be very clear, Alpha Jaime. Arya is mine. Our bond is complete, our connection absolute. You have no claim, no right, no place in her life beyond professional courtesy.”
“I know that.”
“Do you? Because it seems like you’re having trouble accepting it.” Luca’s eyes flashed gold. “She. Is. Mine. And if you ever come near her without my presence or permission again, I will tear you apart. And I’ll take my time, cur you up nicely in ways that will become cautionary tales for centuries.”
“That’s enough,” I said sharply, stepping between them. “Both of you, stop acting like territorial wolves pissing on trees.”
“But that’s exactly what we are,” Luca said, not breaking eye contact with Jaime. “And this is my territory. He needs to remember that.”
“I’m not territory. I’m a person. And I’ll speak with whoever I choose, whenever I choose.” I looked at Jaime. “Thank you for the offer. We’ll accept your warriors. Report to Caspian for assignment.”
“Arya—” Luca started.
“And you,” I rounded on him, “need to remember that you don’t control who I interact with. Jaime is an ally now. We need allies.”
“I don’t trust him.”
“You don’t have to. I do.” I softened slightly. “But I appreciate the possessive display. Very alpha of you.”
“I’m not trying to be alpha. I’m trying to keep other males away from what’s mine.”
“Again with the ownership.”
“You literally wear my mark. You’re literally bonded to me. Ownership is accurate.”
“We’re bonded to EACH OTHER. It goes both ways.”
“Fine. We own each other. Either way, he—” Luca gestured to Jaime, “—needs to understand boundaries.”
Jaime, wisely, had backed up several steps. “I’ll just… go find Caspian. Luna Arya, Your Majesty.”
He left quickly, practically fleeing.
Once we were alone, I turned to Luca. “That was excessive.”
“That was restrained. Every instinct I have screamed to physically remove him from your presence.” He growled, pulling me close. “You were alone with your ex-husband. The male you were married to for five years. Forgive me if I’m not thrilled about that.”
“We were just talking.”
“I don’t care if you were discussing the weather. He looked at you with longing. With regret. With the desperate hope of someone who wants a second chance.” Luca’s arms tightened. “And that, I cannot allow. I will not allow.”