He tapped my back gently, slow and steady, like an Alpha calming a frightened pup after a nightmare. His palm was warm, firm, reassuring.
"It's fine," he murmured near my ear. "Don't cry. I'm here now."
His voice carried that low vibration that always settled my nerves. I turned my head slightly, letting him wipe away the tears gathering at the corners of my eyes. His thumb brushed my skin with such care that my chest tightened.
Then a thought struck me so suddenly that my heart skipped.
"Wait… hold on."
Mount Spiritus.
The Grandmaster.
The ritual.
Had Lewis made a deal? In our world, nothing comes free. Not power. Not protection. Not a second chance at life. If my return had required a price, what if he had paid it in blood?
"Is something wrong?" he asked softly, noticing my expression change.
