Jayden’s pulse pounded in his ears, his instincts screaming at him to flee. He spun around to escape, but before he could make it out, he felt a sudden tap on his face.

“Jayden!” a familiar voice called urgently.

The vision flickered, blending with reality, as if a paper burned from the center. He gasped, blinking rapidly, and found himself back on the bench beside Emric, his chest heaving. Emric leaned close, concern marked across his face, “Jayden, are you okay?” It ...