Chapter 180. New Enemies

Astrid

The bass from the club's music still pulsed in my veins as I leaned against the car window, watching the darkened streets blur past. Magnus's hands gripped the steering wheel, knuckles white, the tension between us obvious. Meredith sat in the back seat, her silence more telling than words.

The night had been a chaotic mess of emotions, and now, as we neared home, the reality of our situation settled over us like a heavy fog.

Magnus pulled up to my house, the engine purring softly. "We're here," he said, his voice flat. I turned to Meredith. "Do you want to come in?"

She shook her head, her eyes distant. "No, I need to get to my cabin. There are things I need to prepare."

I nodded, understanding her to need for solitude. "I'll walk you part of the way."

Meredith smiled faintly. "Thanks, Astrid."

I planted a kiss on Magnus's lips as we stepped out of the car, the cool night air a stark contrast to the heat and noise of the club and the