Ciara's POV

I cloaked my aura as I examined Talia’s home from the inside. Her magical energy was much stronger within the house than I had sensed from the outside, so I took extra precautions. I scanned every room carefully, making sure she was alone. If there had been anyone else in the house, I wouldn’t have hesitated to eliminate them. Anyone aligned with her was a threat.

She was indeed alone. Still, I noticed her body tense the moment I entered the room. She could feel me, even if she ...