A STORM ON THE HORIZON

 The air in the cabin grew thick with tension. The distant hum of Evermere's morning bustle now felt like a warning, danger was no longer a distant threat, it was here.

Xander clenched his jaw, his mind already racing through possibilities. Why were Edmund's men here? Were they watching, or were they planning something?

Luca shifted on his feet, his expression grim. "They're not just looking, Xander. They're making inquiries about you. And about her." His eyes flicked toward Ella.

Ella's breath caught, her grip tightening on the bedsheet wrapped around her body. "Me?"

Xander's grip on the doorframe hardened. "Edmund knows."

Luca nodded. "I don't know how, but yes. He knows she's important to you."

Damn it.

Xander had worked so hard to build his fortune, to rise beyond the ashes of his past, to reclaim everything Edmund had stolen. He had always known a confrontation was inevitable, but he had never planned for Ella to be part of the fight.

And now, Edmund had found his greatest weakness.

Xander turned back to Ella, his eyes dark and full of worry. "You need to leave, Ella. You need to get far away from here."

She stood, letting the sheet slip from her shoulders as she reached for her dress. "No."

"Ella…"

"I said no, Xander," she snapped, yanking the fabric over her head and smoothing it down. Her blue eyes blazed as she stepped toward him. "I'm not some delicate thing you can send away to keep safe. I choose to stand beside you."

Xander ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in every muscle of his body. "You don't understand. Edmund doesn't just ruin lives, he destroys them. He will use you to hurt me."

Ella lifted her chin. "Then let him try."

Luca cleared his throat awkwardly. "If I might interrupt this… moment, there's more."

Xander turned back to him, his pulse quickening. "What?"

Luca exhaled sharply. "The men in the village aren't just asking about you. They're waiting. Like they're expecting something… or someone."

Xander's eyes narrowed. "You think Edmund is coming himself?"

Luca hesitated, then nodded. "I think he wants to see just how much you're willing to risk for her."

Ella swallowed hard but didn't back down.

Xander's hands curled into fists. If Edmund wanted to test him, he would get his damn answer.

Xander turned back to Ella, his voice low and firm. "If you stay, you do exactly as I say. No arguments."

Ella crossed her arms. "I make no promises."

Despite the tension, the corner of his mouth twitched. What a stubborn woman he fell in love with.

Luca sighed. "So what's the plan?"

Xander's mind worked quickly. He couldn't afford to let Edmund control the game.

"We go to him," Xander said.

Ella's eyes widened. "What?"

Luca looked equally shocked. "You want to walk right into his trap?"

Xander's gaze darkened. "No. I want to set my own."

They rode into Evermere just past midday. The village had returned to its normal rhythm, but there was a subtle change in the air, a tension only Xander could recognize.

Eyes followed them as they passed. Some villagers whispered, others averted their gazes. But Xander wasn't concerned with them. His focus was on the three men standing near the blacksmith's shop.

Edmund's men.

One of them turned as Xander and Ella approached, a slow smirk spreading across his face. "Well, well. The lost heir returns."

Xander dismounted, helping Ella down before stepping toward them. His voice was cold. "You're looking for me."

The man's smirk widened. "Lord Edmund sends his regards."

Xander tensed at the title. Lord. Edmund had taken everything, including his rightful claim to the title.

The man stepped closer, lowering his voice. "He wants to see you. Tonight." His eyes flickered to Ella. "And if you refuse… we'll come back for her instead."

Ella stiffened, but Xander stepped protectively in front of her. His entire body radiated barely contained fury. No one touched her.

Xander's voice was lethal. "Tell Edmund I'll be there."

The man grinned. "Good choice."

As they turned and walked away, Ella looked up at Xander, her voice quiet but unwavering. "You're walking into a trap."

Xander's jaw tightened. "No, Ella." His eyes burned with a fire she had never seen before.

"I'm ending this."