just ended a long, hard day, and her mind was full of the prophecy-and of her growing bond with Luka. Ever

It wasn't just a physical attraction; it was something deeper, mo

hrough her body, and the room trembled. Rachel gasped, stumbl

and books flew from the she

e muttered, breath co

aw and unstoppable-like a tide about to drag her under. Th

mmed shut behind her, and the windows rat

ess sob

d, hands shaking. The power was te

-

small space electric. He had been persistent-seeking her out even when

ka murmured as he stepped ins

her effort to sound calm. She'd spent the night replaying the strange event

r quietly, gaze n

ou need to understand who you

ic pull between them left no room for denial. She felt aliv

loser, voic

e hold the key to each other's fut

er head and

t just

from her face, his touch sen

he said softly. "You're mine,

-

power was awakening, and the pull toward him only made resisting harder. She

e needed focus. She cou

those black eyes probing l

the more you resist, the stronger it

mouth to send him away, yet heat swe

nt this," s

nd a wave of warmth

hispered, "but you already kno

mbling. The energy was too

she whispered. "I don't ev

-

chel's mind was a storm-whispers of prophecy, her bond wi

nted a mome

ure blocke

de

cy dread racing down h

rough the campus noise. He stepped closer, dark eye

t?" she snapped,

tiny calls you. The cult and

ny. The cult. Everything she'd

rol me, Gideon,

ened, amuseme

rself, Luna. Yo

r, his shadow

hammered-escape

-

sagged against it, trying to calm the tempest inside. Fingers tangled i

ire, anger-begging to be unleashe

chel pushed against the wall for balance as the lights fl

pleaded, but the

esk rattled. Walls seemed to press inward.

the energy burst free. The desk hurled

her knees, gasp

ered, voice quavering.