The shadows in the room deepened as Samantha stood her ground. Her stance shifted from defensive to something more dangerous - a predator ready to strike.
"Listen carefully," she said, each word sharp and clear. "I don't care about fate. I don't care about destiny." Her eyes locked onto each man in turn. "If I disagree with anything, you'll have to force me into this. And I swear, I'll fight every step of the way."
The declaration hung in the air like a thrown gauntlet.
Marcus broke the silence first. "She's right," he said, surprising everyone. "We can't just steamroll over her choices."
Kai's shoulders relaxed slightly. "About time someone said it."
Callum's violet eyes narrowed as he studied Samantha with new interest. His usual knowing smile faltered. "You'd resist destiny itself?"
"Try me," Samantha shot back.
