CHAPTER 25
AVA’S POV
We froze, staring at the barred door as the sound of the breaking tree died out. For a terrifying second, the silence inside the watchtower was absolute, save for the frantic rush of my own pulse. Whatever was out there was circling us, waiting for a vulnerability.
Then, the rain hammered against the crumbling stone walls like it wanted to tear the watchtower down around us. I stayed pressed against the dry hay, my injured ankle throbbing and syncing with my heartbeat, while Draken stood rigid between me and the barred door. His presence filled the small space, broad shoulders tense, golden eyes glowing faintly in the dimness. Every breath he took seemed to pull at the mate bond, that invisible thread tugging me closer even as my mind screamed to keep my distance.
