Liam’s POV
The air in the tunnel was thick with dust and the quiet hum of old magic. Every breath I drew felt heavy, as if the very stones around us were pressing in. My heart pounded so loud I could hear it in my ears. Henry and Elijah moved ahead like ghosts silent, sure, while I trailed behind, claws buried in my mind, ready to tear the world apart if I had to. My hand never left the hilt of my dagger, its silver edge a cold promise against my palm.
My jaw ached from clenching it. My claws itched to tear down every guard who stood in our way. I forced myself to breathe slowly, inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth, just like Leila had taught me during training. But the memory sparked a fierce ache in my chest.
Each step brought memories crashing back:
* **Leila’s laughte
