Their eyes met across the space between them. The air felt charged, and not just from the storm.
"Dante," Nikolai said, his voice rougher than usual. "You've already bonded with him that way."
Laura looked away. "Yes."
"And Zephyr?"
"No. Not yet."
The unspoken question hung between them—And what about me?
Lightning flashed, thunder following immediately after. The magical lights flickered again, then steadied.
"We should find something about the shadow wolves," Laura said quickly, changing the subject. "If they're related to the mark somehow..."
Nikolai nodded, reaching for another book. As he did, his hand brushed hers. Neither of them pulled away for a long moment.
With a soft growl, Nikolai finally moved back, putting space between them. "Here." He handed her an old journal bou
