Aliyah’s POV

We made it back to the main trail just as the sun began its descent, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. My legs felt like jelly, and not just from hiking.

The transformation had drained me more than I’d expected, leaving a bone-deep exhaustion that made each step feel like wading through mud.

Tracy walked beside me in silence, stealing glances my way every few minutes. I could feel the questions building inside her, pressing against her lips, but she held them ...