As they left the meeting, Lynam rounded on her. "What was that, Xanthe? Do you think accusing her in public will solve anything?"
"She's trying to destroy you!" Xanthe snapped. "Destroy us. Or do you still not see that?"
"I see it, but we can't afford to be reckless!" His voice rose, his frustration boiling over. "Do you think I don't want to protect what we have? I'm doing everything I can, but you—" He stopped himself, shaking his head.
"But I what?" she demanded.
"You keep acting like I'm the enemy," he said quietly, his voice filled with hurt.
The words cut deeper than she expected. For a moment, the tension between them dissolved, leaving only the weight of unspoken emotions.
"We need to focus," she finally said, her voice softer. "Alex, Michelle, and Elias won't stop until they've torn us apart. If we don't work together…"
Lynam nodded, his jaw tight. "Then we fight. Together."
That night, Xanthe retreated to the forest, seeking solace and clarity. The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting a silver glow on her surroundings. She thought of the throne, the prophecy, and the vision of the united realms.
For the first time, she allowed herself to wonder: Am I strong enough to be the Alpha Luna? To lead the realms while holding my marriage together?
A soft rustle behind her pulled her from her thoughts. She turned to see Lynam, his expression unreadable.
"I thought I'd find you here," he said.
She didn't respond, her eyes fixed on the horizon.
"I know I've made mistakes," he said quietly, stepping closer. "But I'm not giving up on us, Xanthe. No matter what Alex, Michelle, or Elias throw at us, I'm here. For you. For us."
She turned to him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Then prove it, Lynam. Fight for this, for me, as hard as you fight for everything else."
"I will," he vowed, his voice steady. "But we can't let them win. Not here, not now."
Together, they stood under the moonlight, their resolve solidifying. Though the battle ahead was daunting, they knew they were stronger together than apart.