"This is a trap," he said bluntly. "Elyara isn't extending this invitation out of goodwill. She wants to isolate you, to test your mettle—or worse, find a way to control you."
"I know," Lirael replied, her tone calm but resolute. "But refusing isn't an option. If we defy the Court now, they'll see us as rebels. We'll lose any chance of negotiating from a position of strength."
Aiden stopped pacing, his gaze locking onto hers. "Then you won't go alone. I'll accompany you."
She shook her head. "Your presence would make them more cautious. They know your strength, and having you there might make them double their efforts to undermine us. No, I need to handle this myself."
Aiden's jaw tightened. "Then at least let me send our best to guard you. Scáthach, Yoriichi, and Merlin can be stationed nearby. I'll deploy our most trusted allies to keep an eye on the Court's movements."
