Riley POV
The McKinnley estate glowed softly beneath the silver wash of moonlight, but Riley couldn’t find comfort in the beauty of the night. Not with her heart racing, mind spiraling. She paced the length of her room, hands trembling despite her efforts to steady herself.
The prophecy
The Dark Council
Her bond with Alex
Her connection to Mason
It all felt too big. Too heavy. Too dangerous.
Riley moved to the window, letting the cool glass press against her palms as she stared out across the grounds. This estate, her new home, looked peaceful… yet she felt the unrest beneath the surface like a pulse in the air.
A quiet knock sounded, and Riley turned just as the door opened.
Alex stepped inside, her face a mirror of Riley’s own—determination battling fear, strength wrapped in vul
