Elena’s POV

I froze, heart hammering, as Damien stepped closer to me, right in front of Matthews.

Every movement he made was almost predatory. His dark eyes glinted sharply in the sunlight, and I couldn’t look away. I wanted to step back, to disappear into the shadows, but my legs felt rooted to the stone path.

My chest tightened, and a low, cold panic began to curl in my stomach.

I tried to act as if I hadn’t noticed him.

I pulled my shoulders tight, held my head high, and looked ...