Left alone with Sevastian, Lyra's frustration broke free, her eyes blazing. "What about you, Sevastian? Do you think I am incapable of defending myself?"
He regarded her calmly, though his expression held a shadow of concern. "You are capable of defending yourself, but I am afraid when it comes to the battlefield, it takes more than defending yourself to survive."
Lyra stepped closer, her voice shaking with restrained emotion. "So you agree with Rohan? You think I should run to Luminae and hide?"
Sevastian's silence lingered like a heavy curtain. Finally, he replied, "Your safety matters more than anything else. If Luminae is the safest place for you, then yes."
The admission struck her like a blow. Her fists clenched at her sides. "Do you want me gone, Sevastian? Is that truly what you want?"
He softened but his face remained expressionless, "My wants are irrelevant in this matter, Princess. Keeping you safe is all that matters."
