(Dual POV: Nicolas & Vera)

The world after Elara’s death was too quiet.

Even the ocean outside the monastery seemed to hold its breath, as if afraid to disturb what had just been buried beneath its waves.

Nicolas stood by the window, rain streaking the glass, his reflection fractured between light and shadow. His hands were still trembling, though he tried to hide it. He’d killed before — too many times to count — but this time, it wasn’t just an enemy he’d shot. It was a ghost of ...