Chapter 90

Deep in the woods, a tall figure stepped slowly through the fallen leaves.

Serena Blake's eyes brightened, and she fluttered into the man's arms like a butterfly.

"Silas!" she cooed.

The man's slender fingers tangled in her hair as his lips brushed her ear. "In such a hurry to see me?"

Serena playfully thumped his chest. "You're terrible!"

Hidden in the undergrowth, Cole Turner held his breath.

Just as he reached for his phone, Silas Kane's sharp gaze swept over him.

Cole immediately shut his eyes, pretending to be asleep.

No wonder he's the leader of Obsidian Circle—his instincts are razor-sharp.

Silas turned his attention back to Serena, tilting her chin. "What's wrong?"

Her eyes instantly welled up. "Someone's bullying me."

"Oh?" Silas arched an amused brow. "Who dares?"

"That Aria Bennett!" Serena hissed through gritted teeth. "She's been targeting me at every turn. Today, she humiliated me in front of everyone."

She traced circles on his chest. "You wouldn't let me suffer like this, would you?"

Silas chuckled darkly. "I'll take care of her tonight."

Serena beamed and pressed a kiss to his lips. "I knew you'd protect me."

His gaze darkened as he pinned her against a tree...

Cole squeezed his eyes shut, inwardly groaning. This is too much.

Who would’ve thought Serena and the Obsidian Circle leader had this kind of relationship?

And the audacity—accusing Aria of bullying her?

Half an hour later, Silas straightened his collar. "Coordinate with my men tonight."

Serena nodded obediently. "I'll be waiting."

Once he was gone, she smoothed her dress and hurried off.

Only then did Cole open his eyes.

Strange... Silas feels different from last time.

He shook his head. Probably overthinking it.

Back at the cave, Aria was brewing medicine.

Jonah Pierce already looked much better. "Aria, this stuff is miraculous!"

She stirred the thick liquid. "I'll make you a medicinal charm later."

"A medicinal charm?" Jonah gaped.

The others exchanged stunned glances.

Cole returned just in time, whispering to Tobias Kane, "What's she doing?"

"Drawing a talisman with medicine," Tobias murmured. "Supposedly, it works just like drinking it."

Cole's jaw dropped. "That's possible?"

The two men locked eyes, excitement flashing between them.

If this could be used on missions...

Aria finished the charm and handed it to Jonah. "Keep it close. Three days, and you'll recover."

He accepted it solemnly. "Thank you."

Though he'd never heard of such a thing, after experiencing her remedies firsthand, he trusted her.

The group remained skeptical but couldn't help anticipating the charm's effects.