As I stepped into the bustling mall with Jenna by my side, the noise and the lights enveloped us, pulling me out of my thoughts. I glanced around, taking in the shiny new shops and the crowds of people. Jenna was already scanning the area, a determined look in her eyes.
We were only a few steps inside when I spotted him—Derek, the same mysterious stranger from the woods, standing near one of the kiosks. He hadn’t seen me yet, but the sight of him sent a shiver down my spine. I could still feel the intensity in his gaze from that night, the way he seemed to understand the territory around us without a word. He looked up, and his eyes locked onto mine, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. My heart skipped a beat.
“Lyra,” Jenna whispered urgently, gripping my arm. “That’s him, isn’t
