Riley POV
Night settled over the McKinnley estate like a velvet shroud, thick with shadows that clung to the earth and whispered through the trees. From my window, the grounds looked peaceful — still, even. But peace was a lie.
Nothing in our world was peaceful anymore.
Not with rogues watching.
Not with ancient bloodlines awakening.
Not with a prophecy hanging over Alex and me like a blade.
I pressed my forehead to the glass, exhaling slowly. My reflection stared back at me — the girl I used to be fading day by day, replaced by someone I barely recognized.
A Guardian.
A twin.
A target.
Earlier that evening, Dad had suggested we walk the estate after dinner. Mason and I fell into step beside each other, our shoulders brushing every few steps, sending warmth curling through my sto
