Julian's shouts echoed down the hallway as the guards escorted him away, their grip firm and unyielding. His voice faded with every step until the courtyard finally fell silent. The tension that had wrapped around everyone loosened, but the air still felt heavy — like the storm had passed, yet the sky hadn't cleared.
A few moments later, Aiden returned, his footsteps quiet. He didn't speak or interrupt the fragile calm forming around Amara. Instead, he caught Adrian's eye from across the courtyard and gave a single, firm nod.
Julian was secured.
Adrian understood instantly. He exhaled slowly, the tightness in his shoulders easing. But he didn't move toward Amara yet — she was surrounded by the people who loved her, and he wanted her to have that moment.
Amara stood there, still trembling slightly, her breath uneven. Before she could retreat into herself, Selene stepped forward.
The eldest cousin — known for her sharp tongue and strict composure — surprised everyone by pulling Amara into a firm, protective hug. Amara stiffened at first, overwhelmed, but then she melted into Selene's arms, her breath trembling against her cousin's shoulder.
"You're safe now," Selene murmured, her voice steady and grounding. "You did the right thing."
When Selene pulled back, she kept a reassuring hand on Amara's arm.
Cassian stepped in next, placing a gentle hand on her back. "We're here for you," he said softly, sincerity replacing his usual playful tone.
Orion followed, giving her a brief but heartfelt hug. "You didn't deserve any of that. Not even for a second."
Aiden approached last, his embrace warm and steady. "You're not alone," he said simply — and somehow, those three words held more weight than anything else.
They formed a loose circle around her — protective, supportive, united.
But Lyra stayed where she was.
She didn't move. She didn't speak. She didn't offer a hand or a word.
Her arms were crossed tightly, her jaw clenched, her eyes fixed on Amara with a mix of jealousy and something darker — something she didn't want anyone to notice. She watched the others comfort Amara, but she didn't join them.
Not because she didn't care. But because she cared too much about Adrian.
And seeing him protect Amara so fiercely made something inside her twist.
Adrian stood a few steps away, watching Amara with quiet, unwavering focus. He didn't interrupt the cousins' comfort. He didn't rush her. He simply stood there — alert, steady, protective — making sure she had the space to be held and supported.
For the first time that night, Amara felt surrounded not by pressure… but by family.
And for the first time, Adrian allowed himself to breathe, knowing she wasn't facing this alone.