Chapter 21 The Unraveling Threads

• The air felt heavy now, making each breath a struggle as we moved through the dark woods. Julian’s hand rested gently on my back, guiding me, though I hardly noticed. My thoughts were consumed by Cyrus—his overwhelming power, the assurance in his voice, and most troubling, his knowledge of me.
• Every step seemed to pull me further into doubt. The trees loomed above, their branches twisted like fingers reaching out, trying to pull us back into the darkness. But there was no way to go back. Not after everything that had happened.
• I could still sense the energy buzzing beneath my skin, the same force that had sent Cyrus flying across the clearing. I had never experienced anything like it before. It was raw, wild, and frightening. Yet… it still hadn’t been enough.