Marcus's POV)
The morning passed in a haze of sunlight and tension.
After breakfast, Ayane, ever the whirlwind, grabbed Foxy by the wrist and practically dragged her out of the hall, laughing and insisting she needed Foxy's "brilliant mind" for something.
Foxy shot me a helpless look over her shoulder, but I just smiled, giving her a slight nod.
Go.
Be you.
Be brilliant.
Once they were gone, the dining hall grew heavier, quieter.
Only Lucas, Ava, Kael, and I remained at the long table, half-finished plates and empty wine glasses scattered between us.
I leaned back in my chair, mu fingers steepled, watching Lucas pick at a piece of bread, lost in thought.
Now was as good a time as any.
"Lucas."
I said, my voice cutting clean through the quiet.
He looked up instantly, sharp and alert, as he always was when I used that tone.
Not just a friend now, he was my second. My brother in arms.
"We need to talk. About Alaric."
