Esme's POVThe knock came again, softer this time, almost hesitant. My heart hammered against my ribs as I sat up in bed, every muscle tensing despite the pain that shot through my healing wounds. It was past midnight. My brothers never knocked like that, quiet and uncertain, like whoever stood on the other side was afraid of being heard.I grabbed the small knife Xavier had insisted I keep under my pillow and crossed to the door on silent feet. My hand hovered over the handle, and I pressed my ear against the wood, listening for breathing, movement, or any sign of who waited in the darkness."Esme." The whisper was so faint I almost missed it. "It's me. Please."Miriam.I opened the door just wide enough to see her face. She looked older somehow, more worn down than when I'd met her at the oak tree weeks ago. Her silver-streaked hair was pulled back in a messy braid, and her eyes darted nervously down the hallway like she expected someone to appear at any moment."You shouldn't be h
Last Updated : 2025-11-17 Read more