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CHAPTER FIFTEEN — ACCOUNTED FOR

last update Last Updated: 2025-12-23 09:45:43

His Point of View

I did not come gently.

The air shifts before she sees me. Pressure settles into the room, heavy and deliberate, bending the quiet around itself. The city noise dulls, not silenced, but pushed aside.

I have not arrived like this for a mortal in a very long time.

Force announces itself. It leaves a mark. Even when no damage follows, something remembers being displaced. I am aware of that cost as the room tightens around my presence, as if the walls themselves hesitate, unsure whether to yield or resist.

Gentleness would have been dishonest.

She straightens on the couch the moment she senses me.

Not afraid.

Braced.

“You were warned,” I say.

The words are flat. Controlled. Final.

She lifts her head slowly. “I know.”

That answer tightens something in my chest.

“You felt the boundary,” I continue. “You recognized it. And you crossed it anyway.”

“I did.”

No excuse. No defense.

That restraint is the only reason my voice remains steady.

I step closer. Shadows
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  • Claimed by Death    CHAPTER FIFTEEN — ACCOUNTED FOR

    His Point of View I did not come gently. The air shifts before she sees me. Pressure settles into the room, heavy and deliberate, bending the quiet around itself. The city noise dulls, not silenced, but pushed aside. I have not arrived like this for a mortal in a very long time. Force announces itself. It leaves a mark. Even when no damage follows, something remembers being displaced. I am aware of that cost as the room tightens around my presence, as if the walls themselves hesitate, unsure whether to yield or resist. Gentleness would have been dishonest. She straightens on the couch the moment she senses me. Not afraid. Braced. “You were warned,” I say. The words are flat. Controlled. Final. She lifts her head slowly. “I know.” That answer tightens something in my chest. “You felt the boundary,” I continue. “You recognized it. And you crossed it anyway.” “I did.” No excuse. No defense. That restraint is the only reason my voice remains steady. I step closer. Shadows

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