Chapter 12: Lines Crossed
(Elina's POV)
The second morning, I sat with Asher in the studio break room, design plans sprawled between us. The bright overhead light flickered faintly, adding to my already fraying nerves.
“You’ve captured the essence perfectly with this design,” Asher said warmly, tapping on the corner of my illustration. “It’s elegant yet bold. Seraphina might even c***k a smile.”
I barely managed a smile in return. His praise, though kind, struck a sore spot. Every comment felt like a reminder of what I was working for: developing a life I could live with, one day at a time.
The door swung open sharply, and an all-too-familiar scent flooded the room. Damon.
My wolf stiffened, her whine rising low in my chest as his commanding presence filled the space. His boots
