Azriel
The car rolled to a stop, the tires crunching over wet gravel and pine needles. I killed the engine, and for a moment, the only sound was the soft patter of rain hitting the roof. A steady rhythm, like a warning.
I didn't move right away. Just sat there, staring out into the forest around us—dense, ancient, and humming with something unspoken. Shadows crawled between the trees, the faint glow of the dashboard the only light in the car now. This place… it felt alive. Watching.
And Selene—my Fiery—was still curled in the passenger seat, cheek resting on her fist, breath fogging the window. Peaceful in a way that didn't match the world outside.
I reached out and brushed a few strands of hair from her face, fingers soft. She didn't stir.
"Fiery," I murmured, voice low and gravel-warm.
A flicker in her lashes. A soft inhale.
I leaned closer, pressing my lips to her temple. "Wake up, baby. We're here."
