Rafayel guided me back inside, leading me to the small kitchen on the second floor, where he gently settled me onto an expensive sofa.

“I’m certain someone’s been spying on us. I don’t know how they’re tracking us,” he murmured, his voice low with suspicion.

“Didn’t you tell everyone that strangers aren’t allowed in here?” I asked, my tone edged with unease.

“Perhaps they’re wary as well, since they don’t know you yet. They might be concerned it’s something critical, especially after overhearing my conversation with Mr. McKenzie yesterday,” Rafayel muttered, his brow furrowed.

The door burst open with a sudden creak, and Bianca stormed in, her strides purposeful, her...