The cool night air wrapped around them as Axel led Raelynn through the silent corridors of the Vaelorian estate. His grip on her hand was firm but careful, his movements swift yet measured. Every step they took felt like walking on the edge of a knife—one wrong move, one careless sound, and everything would come crashing down.
They had been in Raelynn's room for what seemed like hours, but in reality, it had only been minutes. Axel had waited just outside the door, giving her space to change into something warmer. It wasn't much—a thick sweater, some jeans, and boots. Still, it was more than that thin nightgown that had clung to her.
It wasn't just the chill of the night air that worried him.
