The clearing felt too small, too charged with tension as Damian and Elijah faced off once again. I could feel the power crackling between them, dangerous and volatile, but this time I wasn’t just an observer. This time, I was part of it. The darkness Elijah had awakened inside me stirred, restless, as if it sensed what was coming.
But I wasn’t going to let myself be swept into their game.
“Annabel,” Damian growled, his voice thick with frustration. “Get away from him. You don’t understand what he’s planning.”
I stood my ground, my pulse racing, but I didn’t move. I was done letting them pull me between their rivalry, done letting them decide what I should do.
“Elijah’s using you,” Damian continued, his eyes burning with desperation. “He’s manipulating you, just like he’s always done. H
