[Spice ahead]
The manor got quieter after the brothers left.
The ether wards themselves relaxed back into their normal hum once the front door shut and the security feed stopped showing new silhouettes.
Rafael stood in the dining room doorway, watching the last of them disappear down the hall under staff escort, posture too composed for how much irritation still sat under his ribs.
Gregoris didn't say goodbye and his brothers didn't seem to expect it.
The moment the door clicked shut, Gregoris turned.
And the shift was immediate, war council Gregoris evaporating into husband and mate. His shoulders loosened by a fraction. His gaze locked on Rafael like the room had finally returned to its proper priority.
"You survived," Gregoris said.
Rafael's mouth twitched. "Barely."
