Laura's back ached as they rode through the dense forest. Two days had passed since they'd left Dante's territory, and she still barely spoke to Nikolai unless necessary.
Her fingers traced the smooth surface of the moonstone pendant Zephyr had given her, its cool touch somehow calming the storm inside her. Every time she touched it, she thought of his intense eyes and quiet strength. Then her mind would drift to Dante's wild passion, his protective embrace. Even Lucian's fierce dominance still lingered in her memories.
"That stone must be quite special," Nikolai's voice cut through her thoughts. "You haven't stopped touching it since we left."
Laura dropped her hand immediately. "It's nothing."
"Nothing?" Nikolai raised an eyebrow, the sun catching his dark hair as he turned to look a
