Lyla stood at the edge of the forest, breathing in the sharp bite of the night air.

The moon was high overhead, silver light filtering through the twisted branches of the ancient trees. The shadows beneath the canopy felt deeper tonight thick with something unseen.

Her muscles were tense beneath her skin. She could still feel the stranger’s gaze, the cold weight of his words:

Balance has a price.

"Lyla."

Eli’s voice was quiet behind her. Steady.

Lyla exhaled and turned toward ...