Sasha’s Pov
The fire crackled low between us, casting long, flickering shadows on the cave walls. Outside, the wind howled through the cliffs like something wounded, and inside, silence had become its twin.
Alex sat across from me, his elbows on his knees, head bowed. He hadn't spoken since we escaped deeper into the wildlands, into a cave only rogues would know. His usual armor, smirk, sarcasm, and challenge were gone.
Something heavier lived in his eyes now.
Something older.
“I have to tell you something,” he said at last, his voice quiet.
My stomach tightened. “You already did.”
“I mean more than that.” His gaze lifted to mine, and for the first time, I saw him truly unmasked.
There was no part of me that was ready for what came next.
“My name isn’t Alex Knight.”
The air seeme
