Elin’s POV

Sunlight poured through the villa’s floor-to-ceiling windows, the Christmas tree’s lights still aglow, ornaments twinkling dreamlike in the morning rays. Last night’s fight lingered like a nightmare; waking, my heart still ached faintly. Aaron’s devotion, those photos from my girlhood—like a key, unlocking sealed memories.

Istha hummed low inside, sensing Arthur’s call; the bond tugged like invisible threads, making him my inescapable ache.

The doorbell chimed; a ...