Chapter 16

Everly’s POV

I padded silently as mist through Elysium's vaulted halls, moonlight limning ancient runes carved deep into polished granite. Though utter peace reigned, my thoughts churned too tumultuously to rest this night. Since arriving broken and wary, much had changed within me, drawn inexorably under Alex's patient care and tutelage. No longer was I merely surviving—each sunrise now brought hope, purpose, and even hints of happiness stealing back into my guarded heart.

Yet change within also meant facing secrets long buried, and my dreams as of late unsettled me greatly. Each night they transported my beneath open skies, following the pull of some nameless yearning across glittering turf I somehow knew, yet could not place. And always at the journey end awaiting me stood Alex, regarding me not with his usual care but something deeper, more primal. Something awakened something within in turn that both thrilled and terrified my wounded soul.

I shivered, halting upon a