Lyla

Lyla POV:

As the dawn broke, casting a golden glow over the palace, I stood on the balcony, absorbing the quiet before the storm. Today was the day we would confront Noah, the day we had been preparing for. Anxiety bubbled inside me, but it was tempered by the resolve that came from the love and support of my mates, Cameron and Samuel.

Cameron's arms encircled me from behind, his warmth a comforting presence.

"You ready for this, my love?" he asked, his breath tickling my ear.

I leaned into him, feeling the solid strength of his body.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

Samuel joined us, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and determination.

"We're in this together," he reassured, taking my hand. "Always."

Their reassurance fortified me. We were a team, unbreakable in our unity. I turned to face them, taking a moment to appreciate the bond we shared, strengthened in the face of adversity.

We headed to the war room where Alana, my br