Thessara's POV

Asher's voice echoed from upstairs, smooth and mocking. "Hello, Thessara. I hope you don't mind—I let myself in."

Complete darkness surrounded us in the basement. July's fingers dug into my arm, her breathing fast and panicked. Rowan moved close, her voice barely a whisper. "He broke through words that should've stopped anyone. He's much stronger than I calculated."

Multiple footsteps crossed the floor above us. Heavy boots. At least four, maybe five. Asher hadn't come ...