Elliot's POV

　　The heavy doors of the palace close behind me with an ominous thud, and I'm enveloped in its shadowy grandeur once more. The scent of old wood and lingering incense weaves through the air, a stark contrast to the wild freedom outside these walls where Ally now roams, hopefully far from Nathan's reach.

　　"Elliot," echoes down the corridor, and I freeze, my heart pounding against my ribcage as if it's trying to escape the fate I'm about to ...