Chapter 16

• Damien’s gaze flickered to Lila, who offered an innocent shrug, and then back to Elara. “Lila’s right. You should know how to defend yourself,” he said, his tone serious but gentle. “Not because we expect you to fight on the front lines, but because I want you to feel safe. To be safe.”
• Elara bit her lip, the weight of his words settling over her. “I don’t even know where to start,” she confessed.
• Damien’s lips curved into a small smile. “That’s why I’m here.”