BLOOD AND HEART

74 | INVITATION

T H I R D   P E R S O N’ S
P O I N T   O F   V I E W

Hunter's sleek black car pulled up to the grand iron gates of the Phoenix mafia mansion. The air was thick with tension as Skylar sat in the passenger seat, her eyes darting nervously around. Hunter noticed her anxiety and placed a reassuring hand on hers.

"Sky, it'll be okay. I promise," Hunter said softly, his gaze unwavering.

Skylar nodded, though her heart was pounding. The gates slowly opened, and the car moved up the long driveway, flanked by impeccably manicured gardens and tall, imposing statues. The mansion itself loomed ahead, a testament to power and wealth.

As they stepped out of the car, Hunter guided Skylar towards the grand entrance. Two burly guards opened the doors, revealing the opulent interior of the mansion. Chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a warm glow over the marble floors and richly decorated rooms.

Zayn was waiting for them in the grand hall, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. He nodded at Hunter, then glanced at Skylar with a mix of curiosity and caution.

"Hunter," Zayn greeted, his tone measured. "What brings you here with Skylar?"

Hunter straightened, his expression serious. "Boss, I brought Skylar here for her safety. Her situation with Roman is complicated, and I couldn't leave her out there unprotected."

Zayn's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded. "I understand. But bringing her here complicates things for us too."

"I know," Hunter admitted. "But I couldn't risk her being hurt. She's been through enough."

Zayn's gaze softened slightly. "Alright. She can stay, but we need to be cautious. This could attract unwanted attention."

Hunter nodded in agreement. "I understand. I'll make sure she's not a liability."

Later, as Hunter and Zayn continued their discussion, Skylar found herself wandering through the mansion. She felt like an outsider in this world of power and danger. Her footsteps echoed softly in the vast corridors until she came across a sitting room.

Inside, Nyx was sitting by the window, her gaze distant. Skylar hesitated for a moment before stepping inside.

"You must be Nyx?" Skylar called softly.

Nyx turned, her expression softening when she saw Skylar. "Skylar, come in."

Skylar walked over, her nerves easing slightly. She and Nyx sat down on the plush sofa, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

Skylar nodded, understanding the gravity of Nyx's words. "I’m sorry for imposing. And… I’m sorry for hugging Zayn when he rescued me from David. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble."

Nyx chuckled softly. "It’s alright. I understand, you were scared and relieved."

Skylar sighed, her eyes downcast. "Thank you, I just feel so torn. My loyalty to Roman and my feelings for Hunter… it’s all so confusing."

Nyx reached out and took Skylar’s hand. "I understand. Love and loyalty can be messy. But you have to follow your heart, even if it leads you into difficult places."

Skylar looked up, meeting Nyx’s eyes. "How do you deal with it all? The danger, the uncertainty?"

Nyx smiled sadly. "It’s not easy. But I have Zayn, and others and I trust them. Zayn is my anchor in this storm. Maybe Hunter can be yours."

Skylar nodded a blush forming on her face, feeling a sense of hope. "Thank you, Nyx. Talking to you helps. It makes me feel less alone."

Nyx squeezed her hand gently. "You’re not alone, Skylar."