~IAN~

I wanted to laugh. Cry. Scream. Something. But all I managed was a shallow breath and a slow nod. “So… you’re saying I have no choice.”

“There is always a choice,” Ava said gently. “But some paths are carved by something greater than will.”

My fists clenched by my side.

She was already moving - gliding. The crystal waters in the pool at the center of the shrine rippled, glowing softly beneath the moonlight that filtered through the trees.

“I deserve to know more before I ...