Cassandra’a POV The horn's blast sliced through the night, sharp and wrong. I grabbed James's hand as he yanked me toward the trees, Dorian and Elias holding the line behind us. "Run," he growled, voice low and urgent. The air thickened with iron, smoke, and rot, something laughing in the shadows. We fled through the woods, wolves howling but not chasing—Dorian had bought us time. The secret watchtower rose ahead, a crumbling stone spire hidden by vines and old magic. James shoved the door open, pulling me inside and slamming it shut. The bond mark on my chest pulsed, matching his, sending waves of heat through my veins. I leaned against the wall, breathing hard, my dress torn from the run. My eyes locked on his. "James... that spell almost took everything." He stepped close, his body pressing me back. "Nothing takes you from me." His hands roamed, gripping my hips, then sliding up to cup my breasts through the fabric. He tore the dress open, exposing my skin to the cool air.
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