Aiden’s POV

Ethan and I made our way through the dark, familiar forest, quiet as shadows, taking in each minute sound or scent of wind. The world was a patchwork of darkness and rumor, the night humming with all manner of threats.

The drumbeat of urgency haunted me, sparked by visions of Hayley in captivity. Ethan breathed and was strong and steadfast beside me. And we collectively sort of had a plan to fix this that was every bit as audacious yet sorely needed.

Then, in the middle of some night shade laden words his voice turning to a soft vow heard only by an empty space around them and...