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For the first time, Oberon looks uncertain. Not because he fears for himself, but because his carefully built world is beginning to crack, and if it shatters, he won’t be the only one caught in the fallout.

“We need to find them before they make their move,” Zander says. “Before they take the choice out of your hands.”

Oberon nods, but his expression remains dark. “If they know enough to threaten me, they know enough to destroy everything we’ve built.” His gaze sweeps across the room, landing on each of us. “If it comes to that, there will be no mercy.”

Each of us releases a breath we didn’t realize we were holding before stepping into the meeting room.

The three of us take our seats while Oberon makes his way to the front, his expression tight with uncertainty. Worry etches deep into his face, as if he isn’t quite sure what or how to tell the Fae who look up to him, the ones who expect him to lead them toward a better future.

He begins recounting the events with the mountain clan, sparing no detail. He tells them of their forged alliance with the king and the threat that now looms over them. Just as he starts explaining how he failed to secure any alliances, a figure rises from their seat.

A plain Fae, one I could have seen a dozen times and would never recognize, steps forward. A satchel hangs across his meek frame as he makes his way toward the front of the room.

Oberon arches a brow at him but says nothing as the young Fae hands him a stack of parchment. “You should read these,” the Fae says simply.

Oberon quickly unfolds the first page, his eyes scanning the contents before moving to the next. The silence in the room stretches as we all watch, waiting with anticipation.

Finally, he tucks the parchment into his pocket, straightens his posture, and speaks. “The Southern Territories have decided to join us.”

A murmur ripples through the room before someone asks, “Which ones?”

Oberon meets their gaze, his voice steady despite the curve of his lips. “All of them.”

A gleeful gasp breaks through the tension, a rare, unexpected victory. Before the celebration can take hold, another Fae stands. “What did you offer them for their loyalty?”

Another voice chimes in, laced with skepticism. “I thought they refused to join us unless we had something of real value to offer.”

Low murmurs spread, doubt creeping back in as memories of their previous failed attempts to sway the Southern Territories resurface.

Oberon’s face remains unreadable as he lets the silence stretch just long enough for it to settle. Then, finally, he answers, “Humanity.”

Chapter thirty-one

Stay

That evening, I find myself standing in the dimly lit hallway, torn between choices I didn’t expect to have.

I’m not assigned a room this time. Oberon brought me straight to his chambers when we returned, and that was where we stayed.

But now, as the weight of the day settles on my shoulders, I’m not sure what to do.

Does he expect me to return to him? Has that unspoken arrangement become permanent? Or was it only temporary, a moment of solace in the chaos?

And, more than that, what do I even want?

The thought unsettles me. I’m not used to having choices like this, not used to having a place I can call my own.

I sigh and rub my temple, forcing my feet to move before I can overthink myself into oblivion. With each step toward his door, I remind myself that I have faced much worse things than this. I have fought for my life, endured torment, and stood against those who wished me dead.

Yet somehow, walking into his room without knowing if I belong there feels just as terrifying.

I linger outside the door, debating whether I should knock or just turn around, before I can decide, the door swings open, revealing Oberon standing there, his sharp gaze locking onto me.

His expression softens almost instantly, as if he were waiting for me. “Are you going to stand out there all night, or are you actually planning to come in?” he asks, amusement lacing his voice.

I let out a breath I don’t realize I am holding and roll my eyes. “I wasn’t sure if I was invited.”

Oberon lets out a low chuckle, stepping back to make room for me. "I’d say the bed is big enough for the both of us, but considering how much you like to take up space, I might need to reconsider."