_Lisa’s POV_
The road back to Frostbane was long and quiet. The SUV’s engine hummed softly as it rolled over the uneven path. The headlights were slicing through the pale mist of dawn. I sat by the window, my forehead resting lightly against the cool glass. Trees blurred past us like ghostly shadows. Every now and then, Rylan’s hand brushed mine on the seat between us. He was grounding me and reminding me that I was still here, that the battle was truly over.
Fenric was gone. My father. My enemy.
Even now, the words didn’t feel real.
I turned my head slightly and glanced at Rylan. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly. His knuckles were pale and his eyes were focused on the road ahead. The tension in his jaw had not eased since we left the ruins of Shadowrune.
He was strong, st
