Mateo’s POV

Magdalene’s threat hung in the air between us like drawn steel.

“We need time to consider,” Elena said carefully.

“Time?” Magdalene laughed, the sound like breaking glass. “You have until I lose patience. Which, I assure you, won’t be long.”

She vanished as suddenly as she’d appeared, leaving only the scent of old blood and older rage.

David’s fear spiked through our bond. “We can’t fight her. Did you feel that? She’s…”

“Alone,” I finished. “Ancient and powerful, but alone.”

Elena turned to me, understanding dawning in her eyes. “And we’re not.”

We spent three days preparing, hidden in the estate, strengthening our bond while Magdalene circled like...