Aimee's POV
---
The early morning light streamed through the large windows of the main hall, casting long shadows across the stone floor. I stood near the center of the room, my arms crossed as I listened to Vincent and James discuss the details of our defenses. I could feel the tension radiating off James in waves, a silent storm brewing behind his calm facade. It was almost palpable, a constant reminder of the wedge that had been driven between us.
I hated it.
I hated how things had changed between us, how every conversation felt like walking on eggshells. We used to be so close, sharing everything without hesitation. But now…now there was a distance between us that I didn't know how to bridge.
Vincent's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. "We'll need to set up additional patrols along the southern border," he was saying, his tone pragmatic and focused. "That area is more vulnerable, especially with the recent activity we've seen there."
