#Chapter 7 – Pinned in Place

Damon The moment I stepped into the room, she shot up from her seat, too fast, too sudden. Her body swayed, and for a fleeting second, I thought she might collapse again. She caught herself against the wall, fingers gripping the surface as if it was the only thing keeping her standing. I exhaled sharply. “Sit down.” My voice was clipped, firm – an order. Her legs bent without hesitation, dropping her onto the nearest chair. A spark of irritation flickered in my chest. Did she obey so easily because she recognized my authority, or because she was weak? Zane stirred in my mind. She’s exhausted. Let her rest. I ignored him. Her posture was rigid, hands curled into the fabric of her dress. I studied her, searching for something, anything that would break the illusion of familiarity. But every glance only deepened the unease coiling inside me. The curve of her jaw, the way her hair fell over her shoulders, even the way she held herself – it was all too similar to Natalie