We stepped into the sorceress’s territory, and despite the chill in the air and the weight of everything pressing down on us, Xander’s grip on my hand remained firm. Steady. Like I was the only anchor he had to sanity. And even though he was under a spell, he still chose me. Not Matteo. Not Adriana. Me.

That thought alone was enough to ignite something warm and wild inside me.

Still, my nerves were dancing under my skin as we approached the cottage.

This place wasn’t evil. I could feel it. But there was power here. Ancient and quiet—like something that had seen too much.

I expected darkness. Cobwebs. Bones...