Chapter 119

• Lucas POV
• I want to refuse. Refusing means Killian can’t waltz back into Aurora’s life whenever he pleases, but it also paints a target on her back, and Emmi’s. The elders don’t play games, and I’ve heard enough from Siriadne to know they’ll drag Aurora to trial if Killian pushes too hard. My jaw clenches as I stare at him, weighing every word. “What exactly do you need?” I ask, keeping my voice level, though it takes effort.
• Killian leans forward, his eyes sharp but desperate. “I’ve got a contract drawn up. All you need to do is sign it, say you’re considering buying the businesses. If I show the elders that, they’ll know I’m serious. I can threaten to sell, expose the gated communities, let humans flood in. It’s leverage. You hold the paperwork—if I die, you get everything. That puts them at risk, forces them to back off.”