Eve’s POV

The walk back to Blackthorn was more draining than the fight itself. The forest was calmer by now, I was certain. Malik walked beside me silently, his hand brushing mine occasionally to remind me I wasn’t alone. I needed that reminder more than ever.

The sun had gone lower, casting the forest in shades of gold. Even though the danger had passed, I could feel the lingering pulse in the air. It was subtle but insidious, like a heartbeat under the soil.

As we walked from the ...