Chapter 99

Eliza's POV 

As Rylan pulled me closer, enveloping me in his warmth, the laughter of our friends faded into a blissful white noise. His fingers brushed against my arm, sending sparks of electricity racing through my veins. In that moment, all seemed right with the world, and I allowed myself to lean into his embrace, to breathe in the safety he provided.

Just as I began to lose myself entirely in his touch, a flicker of light caught my eye at the edge of the gathering, brief and elusive, yet it pulled me toward the shadows nestled beneath the trees. Instinct surged within me, ingrained signals urging me to investigate. I turned away from Rylan, curiosity tugging at my heart with an almost magnetic force.

“Hold that thought,” I whispered, stepping back, noting the furrow in Rylan's brow, a mixture of confusion and concern evident on his face. “I’ll be back, just give me a moment.”

“Where are you going?” he called after me, but I was already moving, naviga