The thought of leaving her again—even for something as important as this—sits uneasily on my mind.
Still, I know I have to go.
But first, I need to see her.
When I reach the cabin, the soft glow of firelight spills through the back windows. I step inside quietly, and the warmth of the house settles around me like a familiar embrace.
For a moment, I don’t see her, and a flicker of worry crosses my chest, tightening it. But then, movement catches my eye through the open back door.
Annika stands in the backyard.
She faces away from me, her hands lifted slightly in front of her as faint flames flicker between her fingers. The fire dances gently in the cold night air, shifting and curling with every subtle movement of her hands.
I pause in the doorway, watching her. Just a few days ago, she could barely stand after what those humans did to her.
Now, her magic glows steadily again, and a quiet pride stirs in my chest.
“You’re improving.” My voice carries across the yard, and Annika turns immediately. When she sees me, a soft smile spreads across her face. The sight of it does something strange to my heart.
“I’m trying,” she says lightly, lowering her hands as the flames disappear. She walks toward me slowly, brushing a loose strand of dark hair away from her face. “How did the meeting go?”
I step out onto the porch, closing the distance between us. “We found the source of the weapons.”
Her brows lift slightly. “Already?”
I nod. “The suppressor cuffs used on you were traced back to an arms dealer named Marcus Hale. He escaped prison several months ago and appears to be working with the demons.”
Annika’s expression darkens slightly at that. “And you’re going after him.”
It isn’t a question.
“Yes.”
For a moment, she studies my face carefully, as if searching for something there, but then she sighs softly. “I figured.”
I reach out instinctively, brushing my fingers gently against her cheek. “If we shut down this operation…if we stopthe humans working with the demons…” I pause briefly before finishing the sentence, “You can visit your sister.”
Annika’s eyes widen in surprise. “Really?”
I nod once. “You deserve to see her.”
Emotion flickers across her face before she steps closer, her hands resting lightly against my chest. “Thank you.”
Before I can respond, she rises onto her toes and presses her lips to mine. The kiss is soft at first, filled with quiet affection rather than urgency. But the warmth of her mouth against mine sends a familiar spark through my chest.
For a moment, the world beyond this cabin disappears completely. When she finally pulls back, her eyes search mine. “Should I come with you?”
“No,” I respond immediately. “We’ve all agreed that you’re doing so much better, but you’re not ready for this fight. Not yet.”
Annika nods slowly. “Come back home safe, okay?” she whispers.
I rest my forehead briefly against hers. “I will.” And as I step away from her moments later, one thought echoes clearly in my mind.
I love her…
I love Annika Singh.
The realization settles deep inside me with a certainty that surprises even me. And it only strengthens my resolve for the mission ahead, because I will do anything to make her happy and to keep her safe.
