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I knew I was being watched. Studied. Judged, even.

That energy pressed closer and I blinked through the rain, struggling to keep my gaze on the archway. My internet research seemed paltry—almost laughable. I had no idea what I was doing. Had no idea what I was inviting in or playing with. Real fear streaked through me, turning my stomach inside out.

A little longer, a voice said. Just hold on.

Around me, soft streaks of white and gray began to gather. Of all the spirits here, there was only one I wanted.

Only one I’d come for.

“Royan Wolfe!” I shouted. The world paused, tilted, swayed. I went with it, head spinning. “Are you with me?”

A sharp crack of thunder, a lightning strike right to the arch, and then…

I wiped the rain from my brow, wet hair plastered across my forehead and temple.

He came like a mirage, like a vision. Slowly at first. His steps were long, measured. His shoulders formed, broad and strong. His chest. His waist. His—

Red-brown eyes cut through the dark, glowing in the weak candlelight and flashes of lightning. His stare found mine, pinning me in place against the ruins. The rain didn’t touch him. It carved right through him, falling on either side of him.

He looked exactly like his portrait, white linen shirt hanging open at the collar, signet ring in place, unruly hair and…that smile. A secret given form, a brushed hand in a darkened room.

“Wolfe?” I whispered, numb from the rain and cold.

“Avery.” His voice landed like a blow. Deep, rolling, lilting. I shivered, wondering if I’d ever heard my name said like that before—tipped in disbelief, almost reverent.

The smoke behind him began to quell, wafting back out with the sea mist. He remained, clearer and clearer by the minute.

We stood in the ruins simply staring at each other. One raindrop hit his cheek and I watched it roll down the length of his jaw, his neck.

“You—” He started, then stopped.

“Hi,” I blurted, like an absolute moron.

That feline smile returned. “Hi.”

I wanted to laugh. Or cry. Or scream. The rain began to fall harder, blurring the space between us.

“Are you—are you here?” I asked, daring one step closer.

He ran his hands down his chest, fabric folding with the motion. His legs were still hidden in the mists below the knee. He touched his face, his neck. Stared down at his hands in absolute wonderment.

“As much as I can be,” he answered, voice rough. “I…I feel it.” He glanced at the menacing sky above. “It’s cold.”

I nodded, mouth hanging open.

“It is, yes.”

Genius, Avery. Truly genius commentary.

He studied my soaking wet clothes, the shake in my hands, and took another step. “We need to get you dry. You’ll—” He cut off abruptly, head whipping to the side. His eyes widened in alarm. “You need to break the connection!” he shouted. “Now!”

“What?” I yelled back. “I’ll lose you! You’re barely—”

“I am with you!” he called back, turning to face whatever threat I couldn’t see. “Now, Avery! Quickly!”

Darkness slithered from the trees, weaving in and out of shadows and patches of lightning. A howl ripped through the air, low and mournful. I didn’t hesitate when he shouted my name again.

I slipped on the wet ruins, falling hard to my hands and knees. The scent of iron hit the air and the candles erupted, flames shooting high. I scrambled to my feet, rushing for the first candle I’d shoved under another dry alcove.