Dawn crept over the horizon as Christian spread the topographical maps across Alec's desk. Red circles marked the locations Agnes had identified—caves where the temperature dropped unnaturally, places where the earth itself seemed to reject warmth. But as he stared at the markings, older memories began to surface, breaking through centuries of carefully maintained barriers.
Annalise.
The name hit him like a physical blow, making his beast writhe beneath his skin. A thousand years of practiced control threatened to shatter as the blood vows binding his memories began to fracture.
"Christian?" Daisy's voice was soft with concern. Through their mate bond, she felt the sudden turmoil in him, the way his ancient power coiled with remembered grief.
"I remember..." He had to pause, steadying
