Chapter 103

Rylan's POV

With that command roaring from my lips, we sprang into action. I led the charge, muscles coiling as I surged forward, driven by a primal need to protect Eliza from the looming danger ahead of us. My heart raced wildly, pounding a mantra of urgency as I darted from the shelter of the bushes towards the cloaked stranger and Eliza, desperately seeking to reach her before it was too late.

"Eliza!" I shouted, forcing my voice to cut through the heavy tension like a blade, hoping it would pierce whatever spell had momentarily gripped her.

She turned to me, eyes wide in surprise. An expression of shock crossed her features, but before she could say anything, the cloaked figure moved closer to her, positioning herself as a barrier against me.

"Stay back!" the woman hissed, her voice like cold steel, a stark contrast to the warmth I felt toward Eliza.

I skidded to a halt, heart pounding in my chest as I quickly assessed the situation. Eliza hesitated