The morning sun was just beginning to filter through the curtains of the safe house when I made the decision that would change everything. Damon was still sleeping beside me, his arm draped protectively across my waist, but I could feel the tension in his body even in rest. The mate bond carried his dreams—flashes of silver light, ancient ceremonies, and a deep-seated fear that he might lose me to forces beyond his understanding.
I carefully extracted myself from his embrace and moved to the small table where my mother's journal lay open. Helena had left us alone after her revelations the night before, giving us space to process the enormity of what we'd learned. But processing time was a luxury we couldn't afford. Victor's two-week deadline loomed over us like a sword waiting to fall.
"You're up early," Damon's voice was rough with sleep, but I could hear the underlying worry that had been plaguing him since Helena's story.
