Chapter 115:

Leo’s footsteps were light, but his mind raced. The forest was quiet now, almost too quiet. The warmth of the cult’s presence lingered in him like a second skin. He could feel it whenever he slowed his heartbeat, whenever he reached deep and let his senses stretch beyond the physical.

He tried to tell himself it was harmless. He was just… understood. Just like he had never been before. And that alone was intoxicating.

But then came the twitch in the shadows—the ripple ...