Stephanie’s POV

The first time I noticed it, I thought it was a trick of the light. A shadow, a smudge, anything but what it truly was.

I stood in front of the mirror in my chamber, the morning sun spilling in through the window and brushing over my skin.

Pursing my lips, I tilted my head, pushing my hair aside and exposing the curve of my neck where Davies’ mark used to burn like a brand.

Before now, it was always warm, pulsing, and alive. But now, it was faint and barely visible.

It was now a ghost of what it once was.

My breath hitched as I leaned...