Josh’s POV

The fire had long burned down to coals. The war table in front of me was scattered with reports, blood-stained maps, and one of Rissa’s old scarves she had left behind black silk with a frayed edge. I didn’t know why I kept it. Maybe to feel close to her. Maybe to remind myself why I couldn’t be.

Breathing in this place felt harder every time.

I heard the door open and already knew it was her before I looked.

Teressa.

She walked in quietly, like something old and scary, ...