JACKSON’S POV
The world blurred around me, every heartbeat a deafening drum in my chest. The weight of the mission pressed down on my shoulders, but I refused to buckle. Not now. Not when my father’s life hung in the balance.
I adjusted my backpack across my back, my fingers brushing against the cold steel of the dagger inside. The bottle of wolfsbane clinked softly, a quiet reminder of the poison that had nearly stolen everything from us. Karen’s hastily scribbled list burned against my chest, tucked safely in my breast pocket like a second heartbeat.
I have to make it back. No matter what.
Liam stood in the doorway, arms crossed, his jaw set in that stubborn way that mirrored my own. His eyes—sharp, fierce—locked onto mine.
“I’m coming with you,” he said, voice rough with defiance.
I exhaled through my nose, forcing patience into my tone. “No. I need you here.”
His fingers curled into fists. “Jackson—”
“Listen,” I cut in, gripping his shoulder. His muscles tensed under my palm. “Sil
