Novel's POV

After returning home, the book seemed to pulse on my desk, demanding to be opened. Earlier, I’d told that woman I had a boyfriend, but the truth stung, Alexei hadn’t even asked me out yet. How pathetic of me.

“The Book of Outer Land,” I whispered, sliding on my reading glasses. As I opened the cover, a cloud of ancient dust drifted upward, smelling of cedar and forgotten places.

“Ouch, cough! Seriously?” I sputtered, waving the dust away. My eyes landed on the dedication page.

‘Dedicated to my Mate, Juliana.’

I traced the letters with a small smile. Love was truly a powerful thing. I turned the page,...