Chapter– The Fire Between Blood

The feather trembled in Nico’s hand like it was breathing. I stared at it—black, scorched at the tips, soft and terrible at the same time.

He turned it over once. Then again. Reverently. Like a message he already knew how to read.

“He’s here,” Nico whispered.

Lucien stiffened behind him. “Where, exactly?”

Nico didn’t answer. He only looked at me.

My stomach dropped.

“Tell me you didn’t invite him in,” I said softly, taking a step closer. “Tell me this wasn’t your idea.”

Nico hesitated.

“I didn’t have to invite him,” he said, his voice low. “He’s always been inside me.”

My breath hitched.

“Nico—”...