NARRATOR

A thick black mist surrounded the entire building, like a massive dome—nothing could be seen beyond it.

She stretched her hand into the air, but even her own fingers disappeared into the overwhelming darkness.

She thought this must be Alessandre’s famous shield, meaning he had come after all. He must have stayed hidden in the forest, watching, learning, and growing more astonished by the minute.

"I created it to protect you. No one could sense your Selenia power." Silas confessed, catching her off guard.

"Was it really you?"

"Yes. I will always protect my lady," he declared, puffing out his chest. "You don’t need anyone else."

Sigrid smiled, her heart fluttering with warmth.

Now she understood why her mother’s eyes always gleamed whenever her father displayed his possessive, caveman-like nature.

"Wow, my Silas has become so capable. So intelligent and reliable." She reached up and stroked the light stubble on his jaw, watching those golden eyes gleam with satisfaction.

And th