The air in the ruined tower was thick with the stench of damp stone and old blood. Evelynn’s wrists throbbed where the enchanted chains bit into her skin, pulsing with magic that kept hers at bay. No matter how hard she fought, she could feel nothing of her power.
And yet—deep within, something stirred. A warmth, faint but steady. The baby. Its magic was hidden, still veiled, still protecting itself.
The heavy iron door groaned open. Footsteps echoed against the stone floor—slow, deliberate. Derek.
He stepped into the dim torchlight, eyes dark with hunger. His armor was stained with blood, fresh from battle, and a twisted smirk curled his lips as he approached.
“I have to admit,” he murmured, raking his gaze over her, “you wear chains well.”
Evelynn glared, refusing to let him see fea
