Isla's breath caught in her throat. Isolde. The name echoed in her mind, a name she had never heard before, yet it felt strangely familiar. How did this man, this stranger, know that name? A shiver ran down her spine, a mix of fear and fascination. Kai, too, felt a jolt of surprise. Isolde. The name from the legend, the woman in his dreams. He looked at Isla, her face pale with shock, and he knew they were both in danger.
"What… what did you call me?" Isla whispered.
Thane's smile was slow, predatory. "Isolde," he repeated, savoring it. "Don't you recognize me, my love?"
Isla's heart pounded. My love? Madness. Yet something deep within stirred, a forgotten memory slipping just out of reach.
"I… I don't know you," she managed.
Thane chuckled. "Oh, but you do. You just don't remember. Not yet." He leaned in. "But you will. I'll make sure of it."
Kai stepped forward, blocking him. "Stay away from her."
Thane arched a brow, amused. "And who are you?"
"Her friend," Kai said firmly. "And I won't let you hurt her."
Thane laughed, a cold, hollow sound. "Protect her? You're just a boy."
Kai's jaw clenched, but he held his ground. "Maybe. But I'm not afraid of you." His gaze sharpened. "And neither is she."
A flicker of interest crossed Thane's face. He studied them, his smile fading.
"Very well," he murmured. "We'll play this game your way. For now." His eyes locked onto Isla. "But don't think you can escape me, Isolde. I always find you."
As he slid into his car and drove off, Kai tightened his grip on Isla's hand. The threat lingered in the air, chilling and unshakable.