Chapter 85
Annalise
The night deepened, Victor and I continued practicing spells, harnessing the power of the mark. The forest around us was silent, save for the occasional rustle of leaves. The air between us grew heavy, thick with tension that had nothing to do with magic or the looming threat of the princes.
Victor stepped closer, his golden eyes searching mine, filled with something unspoken. “Annalise,” he murmured, his voice rough yet gentle, “we should rest. They’ll be here soon.”
I nodded, but as I turned, his fingers curled around my wrist, halting me. Slowly, he pulled me toward him, the warmth of his body seeping into mine. My breath hitched when his gaze dropped to my lips.
The pull between us was undeniable, electric. For a fleeting second, I found myself leaning in, draw
