Chapter : The Devil's Bargain

Wallace stood in the doorway, the pale light behind him casting a long shadow across the cold floor.

Rose clutched tighter to me, her small frame trembling like a leaf in a storm.

My breath caught in my throat as I shifted her protectively behind me. “Stay back,” I said, voice low and firm.

Wallace’s lips curled into a slow, chilling smile. “I was beginning to think you wouldn’t come, Adeline.”

I straightened. “Let her go.”

He stepped inside, leisurely, like this was a casual visit—not a nightmare. “Why would I do that? You forget, she’s mine.”

My fingers twitched at my side. I didn’t...