The forest was quiet now, too quiet. Even the wind seemed to hesitate, holding its breath as though it knew the shadow hadn’t truly gone. My hands hovered over the Mirror of Moons, still pulsing faintly, the energy thrumming like a heartbeat under my skin. But the calm was deceptive. Too deceptive.
Hazel shifted beside me, her eyes scanning the treeline nervously. “It’s… gone, right?” She asked, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her doubt.
I didn’t answer immediately. I could feel it, lurking just beyond the edges of the clearing, circling, waiting. Its presence wasn’t constant. It was subtle, like the press of ice against your skin. Invisible, yet undeniable. It’s learning. It’s patient.
Zack tightened his grip on his crossbow, muttering under his breath. “That thing… it’s not ju
