Lucien's hand was still on hers.
Dorian's words hung in the air like smoke: "They're already watching."
Lucien turned to face him fully. "You don't get to threaten her."
Dorian didn't flinch. "It's not a threat. It's a warning. You think the Order will let this bond grow unchecked?"
"She's not Elara," Lucien said, voice low.
"No," Dorian snapped. "But she's becoming something just as dangerous. And you're too blinded to see it."
Iman stepped back, heart pounding.
The room felt colder. Not from air - but something else. Something watching.
Dorian's gaze pinned her like a blade. "Neither did Elara. That didn't stop them."
Lucien moved between them, but even his presence felt distant now. "You're angry. I get it. But don't take it out on her."
"I'm not angry," Dorian said. "I'm scared. For you. For all of us."
Lucien's voice cracked. "You think I don't remember what happened?"
"I think you remember it too well," Dorian said. "And you're trying to rewrite it."
Iman looked at both of them - centuries of friendship unraveling in front of her. "You're not just fighting about me."
Dorian's jaw tightened. "No. We're fighting about what you might become."
Lucien's voice dropped. "That's enough."
But Dorian didn't stop. "You think you're protecting her. I think you're repeating every mistake you made with Elara."
Lucien's eyes darkened. "And I'll burn the world before I let that happen again."
Iman's pulse thudded in her ears. The walls felt too close. Her reflection in the glass shimmered - Just for a moment - like someone else was looking back.
Lucien stepped forward. "You think I don't see the risk? I do. But I also see her."
Dorian's jaw clenched. "You saw Elara too. And she burned."
Silence.
"I'm not her," Iman said, though her voice trembled.
Dorian turned to her slowly. "No. But you're bonded. And that bond is rewriting you."
Lucien moved protectively closer. "She's stronger than Elara ever was."
"That's what scares me," Dorian said. "Because if she breaks, she won't just die. She'll take you with her."
Iman's breath caught. Her fingers twitched. Something inside her pulsed - not a heartbeat, but a memory. A scream. A flame.
"You think I'll lose control?"
"I think you already are," Dorian said. "Look at your eyes. Listen to your heartbeat. You're not human anymore."
Lucien's voice cracked. "She's becoming what she was meant to be."
Dorian stepped back, gaze unreadable. "Then I hope you're ready for what comes next."