Evaline:
The forest grew thicker the deeper Kieran drove.
Tall trees leaned inward as if whispering among themselves, their branches knitting together to filter the late afternoon light into a muted green glow. The air felt heavier here... not suffocating, but aware.
When the car finally slowed to a stop, my pulse kicked up despite my efforts to remain calm.
Kieran stepped out first. And a second later, he opened my door.
I climbed out of the car, smoothing my coat instinctively before lifting my gaze to take in our surroundings.
The first thing I noticed was River's black car parked a short distance away. Even from here, it felt unmistakably his - sleek, controlled, deliberate. Seeing it steadied something inside me.
Then my attention shifted to the woman who stood under an archway woven from thick vines and pale winter roses.
A witch.
Her gaze flicked to Kieran first, and she bowed politely. Then her eyes moved to me... and she gave me a brief nod in acknowledgment.
