Chapter Seventy-Seven

Anna’s POV

Panic engulfed me in a warm hug that grew tight, almost suffocating as I stared at the man in front of me.

The hair in my arms stood straight up like spikes, my breath caught in my throat.

I could hear my heartbeat racing and I couldn't think, could hardly breathe. I couldn't speak or move, as I tried to focus solely on his face, which seemed to glow with a light from within. His hair was dark like ink, and shiny.

But his eyes, those eyes were cold and danced with mischief and danger. Like liquid ice.

I knew those eyes. I had seen them so many times, burning in my nightmares. Eyes that looked deep into yours like they could read your deepest desires. Eyes that screamed chaos, he was looking at me like a cat playing with its food before devouring it and leaving the bones to crumble underneath the weight of his appetite. I knew those eyes.

“Not exactly who you were expecting, am I right?” he murmured amusedly, taking in the sight of me as if he had planned this whole encoun