Charlotte

The morning mist wrapped around me like cold fingers. I stood at the edge of the Cursed Glade and watched my breath turn to fog in the freezing air. Behind me, Imogen's presence felt steady and safe. But she couldn't come with me into that darkness.

"You understand what you're walking into?" Her voice was quiet but serious.

I nodded. My throat felt too tight to speak.

"The Glade doesn't kill you with magic or monsters. It kills you with yourself." She placed a rough hand on my ...