Alina’s POV

The words glared up at me from the phone screen, glowing in the dark like they were carved into my skin. Sweet dreams, Alina.

For a second, my body forgot how to move. My chest rose and fell in sharp, panicked bursts, the air clawing at my throat like smoke. My hands trembled so hard the phone almost slipped through my fingers.

Dante was already upright, his weight shifting off the bed in one fluid, dangerous motion. His eyes locked on the screen, his jaw hardening until the muscle there twitched.

“Give it to me.” His voice was low, but not calm this time. Controlled, yes—but it shook...