Elena’s POV

The wind carried a sharp chill when I heard his voice.

I turned slowly, uncertain whether my eyes were playing tricks on me. Damien stood a few steps away, the late afternoon light outlining the clean lines of his black shirt and the cold expression that never seemed to leave his face. For a brief moment, my heart reacted before my mind could stop it. The air between us felt heavier than before.

I forced myself to move, raising a trembling hand slightly as though searching for ...