Chapter 9 The Whispering Dark

• The air felt heavy and cold, as if the temple was pausing in anticipation. I looked at the dark opening that had just appeared, a chill running down my spine, sensing that something old and threatening awaited us.
• “Bonnie,” Asher's voice cut through the quiet, low and urgent. He gripped my hand firmly, offering a brief sense of comfort, but it did little to calm the fear swelling inside me. I sensed a shadow within, drawing me toward the darkness. It called to me in a way that was both terrifying and tempting, like a gentle whisper inviting me to approach.
• “I’m not comfortable with this,” I murmured.