The forest fell unnaturally silent.
Only the rustling of leaves and the distant crash of waves against the cliffs broke the stillness.
Dozens of armed guards surrounded Sebastian's team in a perfect circle.
Every rifle was aimed toward the center.
Toward Elara.
Lady Victoria Ashcroft stood several steps ahead of her men, elegant and composed, as though she were greeting guests at a formal banquet rather than orchestrating an ambush.
A faint smile curved her lips.
"Welcome home... my dear niece."
Elara instinctively stepped closer to Sebastian.
Without hesitation, he moved in front of her, shielding her from Victoria's view.
His broad shoulders formed an unbreakable barrier.
"You're not taking another step toward her."
Victoria's smile widened.
"So possessive."
She tapped the
