_Leah's POV_
I was pacing back and forth in the living room, my mind racing. My heart thudded in my chest, my palms clammy as the full moon approached. Tonight was the night of the ritual, the night when everything would change. Susan had spent the entire day preparing the items needed, and now it was almost time. But no matter how hard I tried to calm myself, the knot of anxiety in my stomach wouldn’t go away.
Tariq, sensing my nerves, came up behind me and wrapped his strong arms around my waist. “Baby, it’s going to be fine,” he murmured softly in my ear. “Don’t worry. Everything will go well. I promise.”
I closed my eyes for a moment, leaning back into him, grateful for his warmth and comfort. His presence helped ease my anxiety, but the weight of what lay ahead still pressed down o
