CHAPTER 224 - The Familiar Intruder.

Alex's fingers tightened around Verathian's hilt, his body tensed, and his senses sharpened to a razor's edge. He could feel it—an intruder inside his bedroom as he stood in front of the door.

His bedroom door, ever so slightly ajar, seemed to taunt him. There were no signs of forced entry, no sounds beyond the heavy silence that thickened the air. 

But the presence... it was undeniable. Someone was inside.

With a swift motion, he pushed the door open, sword raised, ready to strike down whoever dared infiltrate his room.

[Alex, wait—!] Sophie's voice echoed in his head. It seemed as if she was afraid that he might do something wrong, causing Alex to pause, but just then, a blur cut through the room. 

A figure lunged at him.

His instinct flared—his body moved on reflex, ready to strike—but then, just before he could swing, a familiar scent enveloped him.