CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE - SETTLING IN

"Well done," a voice said behind her. She turned to see Erik leaning against the doorframe, a look of admiration on his face. "You saw that?" Anna asked, suddenly self-conscious. Erik nodded, stepping into the room. "I did. Not many people stand up to Ethan like that. You continue to surprise me, Anna Petrovic." Anna blushed under his intense gaze. "I just... I couldn't let it go. It wasn't right." "No, it wasn't," Erik agreed. He moved closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "You're changing things around here, Anna. In ways you don't even realize yet." Before Anna could ask what he meant, Erik leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. "Thank you," he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. As he pulled away, Anna felt that now-familiar surge of electricity between them. There was still so much she didn't understand about Erik, about this world she'd stumbled into. But in that moment, looking into his eyes, she knew one thing for certain – whatever challenges lay ahead, she