Lucien stood in the shattered hall, his fists clenched, his eyes burning crimson. The messenger's words echoed in his mind like poison: "The bride is ours now."
He was trembling, his rage so sharp it threatened to consume him. "I'll tear them apart. I'll burn every clan to ash until I find her."
Dorian stepped forward, his blade lowered but his voice firm. "Lucien, stop. If you lose yourself now, you'll never reach her. That's what they want — for you to be reckless, for you to fall into their trap."
Lucien's gaze snapped to him, wild and desperate. "They took her from me, Dorian. On the day she was meant to be mine. You expect me to wait?"
Dorian's jaw tightened, but his voice held steady. "I expect you to fight smart. Iman needs you alive, not broken. If you rush into this blind, you'll never see her again."
For a moment, silence hung heavy between them. Lucien's chest heaved, his fury clashing with the truth in Dorian's words. Slowly, his fists loosened, though his eyes still glowed with unyielding fire.
Layla stepped closer, her voice trembling but determined. "We'll find her. Together. But we need a plan."
The group gathered around the long table, the invitations to the clans still scattered across its surface — now a bitter reminder of betrayal.
Dorian spread a map across the wood. "The Order knew about the ceremony. That means someone leaked it. We start by tracing the messenger's path. He didn't come alone."
Layla nodded, her fingers brushing the parchment. "And the clans… some of them may already be involved. We need to know who's loyal, and who's turned against us."
Lucien leaned over the map, his voice low and dangerous. "I don't care who stands in the way. I'll cut through them all if I must."
Dorian placed a hand on his shoulder, grounding him. "You'll cut through nothing if you lose your mind. We'll move carefully. We'll strike when we know where she is."
Lucien's jaw tightened, but he gave a single, sharp nod. "Fine. But hear me — every moment she's gone, I die a little more. We move fast."
Layla's eyes glistened, her voice soft. "Then let's bring her back before the shadows claim her."
The group fell into silence, united by grief and determination. The plan was only beginning, but one truth bound them all: Iman would be found, no matter the cost.