Page 29 of Heart of the Rebel Mate

Because everythinghaschanged.

Because the moment I walked out of her apartment, my chestachingfrom something deeper than just the bond?—

Iknew.

I should have never touched her.

Because now, I don't justwanther.

I don't know if I canlet her go.

Monroe's laugh is soft but biting. "You're either naive or willfully blind if you believe that."

Murmurs ripple through the Council chamber, their gazes pressing down on me.

"She's not just building a hub," Monroe continues. "She's creating a symbol—a rallying point for those who think they can exist without us. This isn't just a project. It's athreat."

Daven leans forward, his sharp features shadowed in the dim light. "You've been close to her, Adrian. Closer than anyone here. Do you think she's not dangerous?"

My chest tightens. I force my expression blank. "Elara's intentions are genuine. She wants to create something meaningful, something that benefits everyone."

"Intentions mean nothing," Monroe snaps. "The road to ruin is paved with them."

Silence. Heavy. Pressing.

Monroe leans back, voice smooth but cutting. "We need to ensure this projectfailsbefore it gains traction."

"How?" I ask, though I already know I won't like the answer.

"We discredit her."

The words settle like ice in my chest.

"Leverage her past," Daven adds. "Dig into her history. Find something to turn public opinion against her."

The casual ruthlessness twists my stomach.Elara isn't the enemy.The thought escapes before I can stop it.

The chamber stills.

Monroe's gaze hardens. "She's a threat, Adrian. And if you can't see that, perhaps we overestimated your abilities."

A warning. A test.

I nod, forcing my voice steady. "Understood."

The meeting ends, the Council dispersing like vultures. I remain seated, fists clenched under the table, the weight of their orders pressing heavily on me.

Discredit her. Destroy everything she's built.

I walk through the dim halls, their words echoing in my mind.

Elaraisn'ta rebel. She just wants to build something better. So why is the Council so afraid of her?

For the first time, a new thought slams into me.

They're not trying to protect our people. They're protectingthemselves.

And I don't know if I've been fighting for the wrong side.

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