Chapter 53: Marked Territory
(Charlotte's POV)
I sat cross-legged on the plush rug in Alexander’s den, the soft wool brushing against my bare legs. Alexander’s black shirt hung loose over my body, his scent—pine and winter—wrapping me in an invisible embrace. No matter how comforting it felt, I couldn’t let my guard down. My fingers fidgeted with the hem of the shirt as I initiated a mindlink with Sarah.
Her voice came through quickly, warm yet laced with worry. “Charlotte. How are you, my love?”
Hearing her voice soothed me, but it didn’t erase the pounding thoughts ricocheting inside me. “I just wanted to check in,” I began hesitantly. “How is Father? Has there been any progress?”
“He is holding on,” Sarah replied, her tone soft. There was a pause, long enough to make me tighte
