Jayden's POV
The sound of children's laughter echoed through the marble corridors as I walked with Naia and Jeffrey away from the study. Naia's tiny fingers wrapped around mine, her grip surprisingly strong for such a small hand. Jeffrey bounced alongside us, chattering excitedly about how soft Grandpa's silver hair felt when he touched it.
But their innocent joy couldn't quiet the storm raging in my head.
Two days had passed since the disaster in the throne room, yet the memory burned as fresh as an open wound. Lord Linus had stood before the council, his face twisted with disgust as he pointed an accusing finger at Jasmine and her children.
"That woman is a monster," he had snarled, his voice dripping with venom. "She and her spawn have no place among us."
The elders had nodded like puppets on strings, their faces grave with manufactured concern. Even now, I could hear the murmur of their agreement rippling through the chamber.
