Chapter 142: Free Air, Sharp Teeth

Elira

The heavy Shadow Gate slammed shut behind me with a loud, final clang that echoed sharply through the wide valley. The sound rang deep in my bones—final, absolute, and undeniably real.

I took one slow, deliberate step forward onto the cold, gritty road. Then I took another.

The night air rushed immediately at me, cold, clean, and completely wild, wrapping around my face and whipping through my loose hair like an old, trusted friend. The strong scent of ...