#Chapter 97 - Inquisition

Damon I hadn’t moved from the beside the bed for a long while. Hours, maybe. Time blurred in the heavy silence of the room, broken only by the soft rhythm of Lila’s breathing. She hadn’t stirred since the healer left, though her color had started to return. I watched the rise and fall of her chest like it was the only thing keeping me grounded. My fingers hovered near her shoulder where she wore my mark, but I didn’t touch her. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to let go. The bond was still there—distant, heavy. Just out of reach. I could feel Zane curled tightly inside me, low and growling, pressed against the boundary between instinct and reason. The knock came soft. I didn’t answer at first. Another knock, firmer. Then Ronan’s voice, muffled through the door. “Sire. We need to talk.” I rose slowly, my body aching from staying in one position so long. I moved toward the door without looking away from her until the very last second. Ronan stepped inside, closing the d