POV: Ayla

The strategy room is already occupied when I walk in. Caius stands at the head of the table with a fresh set of perimeter adjustments spread in front of him. Ryker leans against the far wall, arms crossed. Zane sits on the edge of the table, one foot braced against the floor, the light expression he usually wears nowhere in sight. The bond carries a tight, collective focus that tells me the conversation started without me.

I close the door and stay where I am.

“You were going to tell me when?” I ask.

Caius looks up. “When the outline was solid enough to discuss. We are still...