Chapter 132

• Third Person's POV
• The study reeked of old paper, leather, and the faint iron tang of blood-an aura that seemed to cling to Bastien even in his weakened state.
• Outside, the storm battered the Shadowbane estate, each thunderclap vibrating through stone and bone. Magnus barred the doorway with a low growl, keeping the pressing crowd at bay. The intruding Sanchez siblings and retainers froze, muscles tense, tails tucked in instinctive caution.