DAISY

Adrian pushes open the iron gates with one hand, like they weigh nothing. They swing inward with that familiar creaking groan, the sound echoing through the courtyard and bouncing off the towering stone walls.

I’ve walked through these gates before but something about the place always gives me a weird tight feeling in my chest. Not fear. Not awe. Just… awareness.

Like the air has teeth and the ground has a heartbeat.

But today I’m not thinking about the walls or the watchtowers or the Lycans stationed above, scanning every corner like world-class guard dogs.

I’m thinking about her.

And then my gaze drifts to the far end of...