Alison’s heart pounded in her chest as she locked eyes with Darius. For a split second, the weight of the situation crushed her. She had followed him against her father’s wishes, thinking she could help, but now, she was caught. Darius, his face unreadable, stood before her. His sharp gaze moved over her, taking in her ill-fitting clothes and the faint hint of desperation in her eyes.
“You shouldn’t be here,” Darius repeated, his voice low but firm.
Alison swallowed hard, trying to steady her breathing. Before she could respond, Garrick appeared, his heavy footsteps barely muffled by the soft earth beneath them. His eyes narrowed when he saw Alison, and a slight smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.
“Hmmm,” Garrick hummed, his tone amused but sharp. “It seems your dad was right after
