TATIANA POV
The air in the forest was heavy with tense anticipation as we emerged from the shadows. Moonlight cloaked the world about us in an otherworldly glow. I could feel the adrenaline still rushing through me, each pulsating wave igniting my fierce desire to protect my son from those awful one-on-one encounters with Harper. But all of that was dismissed the moment we went into a clearing: the ominous weight lay upon my heart-mixed with fear and uncertainty over what lay ahead.
Raphael stood by my side, a tortured, desperate urgency stamped outwardly upon his face. "Tatiana," he stammered, his voice gaining strength, yet each word rife with emotion. "You must come back to the Palace.”
I turned toward him, my brow furrowing. "Back to the palace? After everything that has just happe
