"Enough!" Tristan stepped forward, shielding Seraphina from Lucian's wrath. "You have been dismissed. Leave now before you bring further shame upon yourself."

Lucian snarled, his eyes wild with fury. "You think to challenge me, Tristan? I could tear you apart with my bare hands."

"Perhaps," Tristan said coolly. "But you'll never lay a finger on my mate."

A hush fell over the chamber as realization dawned on the council members. Tristan had publicly declared his claim on Seraphina.

Seraphina's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of conflict. Part of her yearned to surrender to the bond, to accept Tristan as her destined mate. Yet the rational side urged caution, fearing...