CATRIONA

I froze.

That voice…

It hadn’t changed.

Even after everything, even after years of silence, war, loss, and healing, Gabriel’s voice slid over my spine like cold silk.

He stood near the treeline, calm, composed—like he hadn’t shattered my world once before.

My heart thudded in my chest, and my instincts screamed louder than my thoughts.

Go inside. Now.

I turned on my heel to bolt back through the gates—but in a blur of movement, he was suddenly in front of me.

Too close.

I took a quick step back, crouching slightly in reflex, my breath catching.

Gabriel raised both hands slowly, palms open.

“I’m sorry,” he said gently....