LIV'S POV

I held Kaelon's arm tighter the moment Louisa said those words. The Prestons? Here? At Kaelon's office?

The nerve. The utter audacity.

I glanced up at Kaelon, searching for his expression. His jaw had gone tight, eyes stormy and unreadable.

But he didn’t say anything immediately. Instead, I pressed my palm firmer into his sleeve, letting him know he wasn’t alone in this.

He looked down at me and for a fleeting second, something tender softened his features. He tugged me closer to him, his hand finding mine in a swift but quiet gesture.

That was all I needed. Reassurance.

And just like that, I squared my shoulders....