1 ~ Merging Shadows.

ASHRIEL’s POV

The summer sun hammered down on the backyard of this new house, making everything feel sticky and heavy.

I stood by the pool, my slim body hidden under a loose white shirt and shorts that stuck to my skin in the heat.

At twenty-two, I felt out of place here. My mom had remarried just weeks ago, dragging me into this blended family mess.

Now I had to meet my new stepbrothers for the first time, and my stomach twisted with nerves.

Jordan and Riley were already out there, lounging on patio chairs in swim trunks that showed off way too much.

According to...