ADANNA POV (Point of view)
The river fog had not lifted. Dawn painted the city in muted grays, but every shadow seemed alive, every movement a potential threat. My fingers were still entwined with Darian's, clutching him as if sheer contact could shield me from what was coming.
Eden pulsed under my touch, a living thing beneath my hands, thrumming in time with my fear. It vibrated harder, sharper, almost frantic, like it was shouting a warning only I could feel.
"Darian," I whispered, voice low, tense, "he's close. Kade. I can feel him, Eden's screaming."
He pressed a hand to my back, steadying me. "I know," he murmured. "Eden won't let us fall and neither will I. Trust it… trust me."
I nodded, leaning into him. Every muscle in my body coiled between fear and desire. He was warm, solid, alive. I let myself feel him fully, even as the river swallowed the fog and the danger pressed in from all sides.
DARIAN POV (Point of view)
