Ella's POV
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I thought the forest couldn't frighten me anymore.
I was wrong.
I clung to Remo's side as we left the tomb, my heartbeat still a ragged echo of the truth I'd just torn from the grave. Door and lock. My blood his prison. His arm was iron around my shoulders, and for once, he didn't speak. Not even his growl comforted me. Not tonight.
Branches clawed at us as we broke through the undergrowth, the moon hidden behind black clouds. I tasted metal on my tongue — my own fear. His hand tightened at my hip, trying to steady me, ground me, remind me who I am now. Not just Eiravelle. Not just Ashkariel's daughter. Ella. Remo's Luna. His mate.
I think that made it worse.
Because for the first time in my life, I felt like prey again.
The shadows felt wrong — thicker, colder. Even R
