The silence in Jacob’s chambers stretched too long after what happened in the hall. I still felt the weight of every eye on me, every whisper that followed my words. But more than that, I felt him.
His presence clung to me like a shadow. Heavy. Inescapable.
I stood near the window, my palms pressed against the cold glass, breathing deeply, trying to ground myself. The moon hung high above, pale light spilling across the floorboards like a silver chain. I almost wished it could bind me instead of him.
But then… I heard his steps.
Slow. Measured. Predatory.
Each sound was a warning, a reminder that I was not alone—that I would never be alone again.
“Selene will think twice before speaking Evelina’s name again,” Jacob’s voice rumbled low behind me. The sound seemed to vibrate through th
