Chapter 16 The Mark Of Darkness

• The forest fell silent after Thane disappeared into the shadows, as if the world was holding its breath. My chest felt tight, and I could sense the dark energy swirling within me, like a snake poised to strike. It was heavy and suffocating, yet I couldn’t suppress it. Not now. Not after everything that had just occurred.
• I looked at my hands, half-expecting them to be stained with the darkness that had erupted from me, but they appeared normal. Still, something felt off. I could sense it in every part of me, an energy pulsing just below the surface.
• “Asher? Julian?” I called, my voice trembling, fear tightening around my throat.