Chapter 3

On the day of the surgery, Gianni reached into his pocket and pulled out a delicate silver bracelet, its surface etched with intricate runes that glimmered faintly under the light. He took my wrist gently, his fingers warm against my skin, and fastened it with a soft click.

'This is for you,' he said, his voice low and tender, his amber eyes holding that familiar warmth that once made my heart skip a beat. His scent—cedar and pine—washed over me, but it no longer brought the comfort it used to.

I glanced down at the bracelet, recognizing it as the…