The ashes of Silver Ridge were still warm beneath the falling snow when Victor blindfolded me.
His hands were gentle as he tied the soft black cloth over my eyes, his fingers brushing against my temples with a tenderness that contrasted sharply with the violence we had just survived. The world went dark, and suddenly every other sense sharpened. I could hear the wind moving through the burned trees, could smell the lingering smoke mixed with Victor's scent of cedar and winter air, could feel the heat radiating from his body as he stood close behind me.
He didn't tell me where we were going. Didn't explain his plans or ask for my input. Only leaned down to whisper against my ear, his breath warm on my cold skin.
"Trust me."
I did. Completely. Without question or hesitation.
He lifted m
