"The bloodsuckers are not your people," Kyllian retorted. His eyes darted briefly to Damien, rage and jealousy burning so hot they threatened to consume him.
"But they are." Luna stepped closer to Kyllian, her hand brushing his arm lightly. "Kyllian, I have a son now." Her lips trembled as she said it. "If I can't make Blood City safe for him, what kind of mother does that make me?"
Kyllian went silent at that. His throat worked, his jaw tightening as though he were physically swallowing his retort. The mighty wolf king bowed silently to her truth. He turned away briefly, his fists clenched at his sides, then slowly faced her again. He glared briefly at Damien—a glare that promised the fight wasn't over, that this truce was only temporary—before softening as he looked back at Luna. "I will always protect you," he said finally. "But only if you let me. I cannot protect you when you are not here."
