Chapter 20

Alex

I believed I understood the meaning of training until Matteo led me beyond the castle gates and into the ancient forest that blankets Mooncrest’s shores.

I assumed drills with weapons and lessons in defense would define our morning, but these towering cedars and hushed shadows promised something more interesting.

When I asked where we were headed, Matteo did not pause his steady stride. “To the place where your ancestors first awakened,” he said. My blood froze.

I turned to him. “What do you mean?”

He glanced back, eyes as calm as still water. “Do you think the Ancient Line mastered power from dusty tomes? They learned through pain.”

A cold shiver ran down my spine. Weston, who had followed us despite explicit orders to remain behind, stepped forward with fierce resolve. “No,” he said, voice tight. “I refuse to let you hurt her.”

For the first time I saw amusement flare in Matteo’s face. “You truly believe I lack understanding of