Aiden leaned over the wide oak table in the council chamber, morning light cutting across the maps. The pulse from yesterday still hummed under his skin, a low vibration that made the chained entity restless. He traced the route for the probe with his finger, marking the latest rift coordinates.
The door clicked shut behind him. Elizabeth stepped in, her imperial gown hugging her frame like it had been tailored for war rooms and bedrooms both. She didn't waste time on greetings.
"Final compatibility test," she said, voice cool and precise. "Before the team leaves. Everyone's still raw. Better now than in the field."
Aiden straightened. "You could've asked."
"I am asking." She closed the distance, fingers already working the fastenings of his shirt. "And you'll say yes."
