Stefano's POV
As Gianna stared at her ex-mate's lifeless body, a shudder rippled through her. Guilt flickered in her eyes, though mercy had guided her hand when she cut his throat; his injuries were fatal, and the Spirit Forest would've claimed him by nightfall regardless. I'd heard the spirits murmur through the trees, foretelling his fate.
I placed a hand on her shoulder, and she almost flinched. "It's okay," I murmured, "you're safe now."
She took a steadying breath, slowly rising. "There were four others..."
Turning her toward me, I nodded. "I know. I killed two of them, and the other two..." My lips curved slightly. "Well, the forest decided they didn't deserve to live."
Her eyes widened. "W-what?"
I led her to a large rock by the shore. "When I learned they'd attacked you and y
