Chapter 89

• I nodded, unable to shake the sense of foreboding that clung to the air. The sea, usually so full of life and movement, seemed unnaturally still, as if it, too, was holding its breath in anticipation of what was to come. Leo’s hand was warm in mine, a steady anchor in the growing storm of my thoughts.
• “Selena,” Leo said softly, drawing my attention back to him. “I want you to stay close. We don’t know what’s coming, but whatever happens, we face it together.”
• I looked into his eyes, seeing the worry etched in the lines of his face. It wasn’t just fear for the battle ahead—it was fear for me, for us. I squeezed his hand, trying to offer some semblance of reassurance. “I’m not going anywhere, Leo. But we need to stay sharp. If there’s any chance we can avoid a full confrontation here, we need to take it.”