Rayana stood frozen at the doorway, her breath caught in her throat.
Across the small, dimly lit room, a shirtless figure stood near the cabinet, muscles shifting as he unpacked his belongings with slow, unhurried movements.
His dark hair was slightly damp from the rain, silver eyes glinting under the lantern’s soft glow. He turned his head, gaze sweeping over her like a blade.
“Welcome, roommate.”
His voice wasn’t fully welcoming—more of an observation than a greeting.
But it was enough to make her heart lurch.
This was it.
She had spent weeks running, hiding, and surviving to escape a fate worse than death. And now, she was forced to share a room with someone who could ruin her entire plan if she wasn’t careful.
She swallowed hard, forcing her hands to remain still.
She had alre
