Avery’s POV
The forest was spinning.
The twisting shadows, the towering trees, the whispers of the dark witch’s magic—it all blurred into one sickening spiral. My legs felt unsteady, my breath came in short, ragged gasps, and the golden energy I had released earlier had left my body utterly drained.
I tried to move, to push forward, but my knees buckled.
The ground rushed toward me—
And then I was caught.
A strong arm looped around my waist, pulling me against something solid, warm. My cheek pressed against a hard chest, and a familiar scent wrapped around me—cedarwood, rain, and something undeniably him.
Aidan.
My body sagged into his without protest.
I barely registered the way he scooped me up effortlessly, cradling me against him as he moved. His grip was firm but careful, lik
