Elara's POV
I never thought I’d see Matthew again, much less like this.
The tension in the air was suffocating as the car jolted to a halt on the dirt road. I hadn’t noticed the black SUV blocking our path until Sabrina cursed under her breath. When the doors swung open, and Matthew stepped out, I felt my stomach twist.
He looked the same—broad shoulders, sharp eyes, and that infuriating confidence in his stride. But there was something different now, something unhinged in the way he carried himself.
“Hand her over,” Matthew growled, his gaze trained on me.
Lucas didn’t flinch. He stepped out of the car slowly, his movements deliberate and calm, but his eyes burned with fury. Sabrina followed, her hand already brushing against the hilt of her dagger.
I stayed in the car, frozen. I should’ve felt afraid, but all I felt was guilt. Guilt for the way things had ended. Guilt for the way he looked at me now, like I was something he’d lost but couldn’t bear to let go.