The night pressed in like it was listening. Every shadow leaned forward, every breath of wind felt like it carried someone else’s breath with it. My pulse was in my throat, but I kept moving, dragging Xavier with me through the tight weave of trees. His weight pulled harder with every step — not because of the wounds, but because of something else. Something I’d put in him.

Whatever I did in the healer’s den had tied us together. Not just magic — deeper than that. A hook in the soul. ...