|| Lilac’s POV ||

The walls of Alaric's house were closing in on me. A place once felt so lively now became my cage.

I paced the length of my borrowed bedroom for what felt like the hundredth time, my bare feet wearing grooves into the plush rug. The window was cracked open, letting in the crisp autumn air, but it did nothing to ease the fire burning in my chest.

No word from Elara.

Ezra's calls going unanswered.

Dad and mom kept insisting I stayed ...