The woods were still, the air tense as though it too was holding its breath. Morning crept over the landscape in shades of gray, reluctant and cold.
I was awake before the first rays touched the sky, sitting on the edge of the creek with my knees tucked to my chest, trying to collect my scattered thoughts. Everything felt... off.
The conversation with Aiden last night hadn’t left my mind. His words echoed like a haunting melody, something meant to reassure but instead sowing deeper questions.
I told him I was ready. I meant it. But what did ready even mean in a place like this?
The shadows of the past few days clung to me, crawling beneath my skin. The looks I got from the others, the quiet whispers when they thought I couldn’t hear them.
I knew I wasn’t wanted. I knew my presence wa
