~Damon's POV
I pushed Rowan and Kael out of my room, my patience running thinner with every step they took. My chest was heavy, but I forced my tone to stay calm.
"I already agreed," I told them flatly. "Belinda will be crowned. That's all you want to hear, right?"
Rowan stopped by the door, studying me like he didn't believe me. Kael frowned, as if expecting me to spit out some condition.
"Yes," I repeated, sharper this time. "She will be crowned. Now leave my room. I need sleep."
They exchanged a glance before stepping out. I shut the door harder than I meant to. My fists trembled at my sides, not out of fear but out of frustration. I hated the way they looked at me, like I was the enemy.
When I finally lay down, my mind ran wild. Their words echoed, "You've changed. You're failing at loyalty." It stung more than I'd admit, but exhaustion won in the end, and I drifted off into a restless sleep.
The next morning, the moment my eyes opened, rage burned through me.
