** Paige’s POV **

The house falls quiet again after Ryder’s words. His gaze is steady on me, as though he is trying to memorise the exact shape of my face. I swallow, the weight of what we’d just talked about still sitting heavy in my chest.

“Alright,” he says softly, shifting in his seat. “Let’s try this mind-link. Just relax and focus.”

I nod, unsure how I can relax when I can already feel my pulse hammering. My palms go clammy as I close my eyes, trying to ...