1 ~ Merging Shadows.
ASHRIEL’s POV
The summer sun hammered down on the backyard of this new house, making everything feel sticky and heavy.
I stood by the pool, my slim body hidden under a loose white shirt and shorts that stuck to my skin in the heat.
At twenty-two, I felt out of place here. My mom had remarried just weeks ago, dragging me into this blended family mess.
Now I had to meet my new stepbrothers for the first time, and my stomach twisted with nerves.
Jordan and Riley were already out there, lounging on patio chairs in swim trunks that showed off way too much.
According to Mom’s description, Jordan, the older one at twenty-four, looked like a total athlete—wide shoulders, thick arms, and a chest that moved with every breath he took. His green eyes had snapped to me
