Chapter 44 –POV: Isabella

Adrian’s breathing slowed the moment we reached the mansion, uneven and ragged like a thread stretched too far, too thin. Each shallow exhale was a hammer against my chest, a terrifying reminder that the world could end in a heartbeat and I could lose him, lose the man who had become everything to me. My hands trembled as I guided the car through the gates, every step toward safety a battle against rising panic.

The air outside smelled faintly of smoke and ...