Nadia’s POV:

Even after the cave collapsed, Derek’s dying words played on a loop in my head.

He’s not dead. He tethered his soul to someone else.

We didn’t know who the host was, but we knew Derek wasn't bluffing. Which meant we had to look over our shoulders constantly.

The moment we stepped back into Darkmoon territory, absolute relief washed over me. Kane didn't let go of me the entire way, even when I swore I could walk.

He kept my hand locked in his. His towering presence anchored me, even while my unconscious mother was carried beside us. When the royal guards rushed out to receive us, he...