AUTHOR’S POV

Liam stood hidden among the trees' shadows, watching Aria walk steadily toward the border. He did not breathe, he did not blink. He simply watched. He saw the moment Tom arrived with the carriage, saw the way Aria climbed inside without hesitation, and watched the wheels roll her farther and farther away from him. Every turn of the carriage felt like a knife dragging across his chest.

“Are you okay?” Max asked quietly from beside him.

Liam nodded. “Yes, I am good,” he ...