Chapter 13

Aurelia POV

The nightmare ended with the sound of breaking glass and Draven’s low, possessive laugh echoing through the dark halls of his estate.

I sat upright in bed with a sharp, gasping breath, my heart hammering against my ribs like a trapped bird. Cold sweat clung to my skin, and for a terrifying second, my lungs locked, waiting for the bitter taste of aconite to burn my throat.

The quiet crackle of dying embers in the hearth pulled me back. The room was bathed in the pale, blue light of early dawn. The cottage was silent, save for the distant, rhythmic hum of the runic barrier guarding the ridge.

My chest twitched with residual panic, the phantom sensation of Draven’s heavy hand on my shoulder refusing to fade. I couldn’t stay in this bed. I couldn’t stay between these four walls.

Throwing back the heavy wool blanket, I pulled on Talia’s thick knit sweater and boots. Pushing open the front door, I stepped out onto the porch into the biting