Chapter 13 The Ties That Bind

• The cold air of the clearing lingered as I made my way back to the cabin, my heart racing from the Shadow Walker’s ominous words. The blood moon will rise. The choice will be made. Its voice echoed in my mind, haunting me in the stillness. Embrace the darkness, it had urged. I trembled, pulling my arms around myself as the night enveloped me.
• I barely got through the door before I slumped against it, struggling to breathe under the heavy weight of it all. My legs felt weak, ready to buckle. My heartbeat pounded in my ears, loud in the cabin's silence. Yet, the quiet that followed felt more disturbing than the Shadow Walker’s presence.
• I lost track of time sitting there, my back against the door, staring into the dark room. The fire had completely died, leaving only cold ashes in the hearth. Even without light, I sensed Asher and Julian nearby, sleeping peacefully, unaware of the warning I had just received.