Chapter 139

Elyana bit her lip. A part of her wanted to ignore the call, let Daimon sweat a little. But another part—the bigger part—knew Daimon was probably frantic right now. Not for her, maybe, but for Jessica at least. “Give me that,” she said, snatching the phone from Arden without another word. She tapped the screen and held it to her ear. “Arden, I swear—if you don’t explain what the hell is going on, I will—” “Daimon, it’s me.” Elyana cut in, her voice calm but steady as she interrupted the storm brewing on the other end of the line. There was a pause. A long, heavy silence that made her heart beat just a little faster. The shouting stopped instantly. It was as if Daimon had frozen mid-breath, trying to compose himself. She could hear the faint sound of him exhaling—deep and uneven. He was struggling. Trying to keep it together. “Elyana?” he finally said, his voice low, hoarse. “I’m here,” she said, softer now. “Where are you?” His tone shifted from anger to something raw and shaken. “Are