The storm had passed, but Elira’s heart hadn’t stopped thundering.
She stood at the balcony of Soren’s estate, the sea stretched below like a secret, the sky bruised with morning clouds. Inside, the world was calm. But outside—outside was Damien Blackwood, waiting behind a wall of mistakes and years that still bled.
“Are you sure about this?” Soren asked behind her.
“No,” Elira said honestly. “But I can’t keep pretending he’s not part of my life. Of her life.”
Soren moved to her side. His touch was gentle, protective, devastating. “You’re allowed to protect your peace. You don’t owe him anything.”
“I owe her the truth,” she whispered. “And that truth includes him.”
A sleek black car pulled through the gates.
And there he was.
Damien stepped out, sunglasses pushed up into his dark h
