Parker’s Point of View
I don’t think I’ve ever been this tired in my life.
Physically? Sure. Mentally? Absolutely. But this—this is different. This is soul-tired. Like the whole cursed forest is chewing on my bones, one bite at a time, just to see when I’ll finally snap.
We don’t stop moving, though. Sonia’s beside me, steady and sharp, eyes darting around like she’s counting enemies before they appear. And I’m right there with her, matching her stride, pretending I’m not falling apart inside.
I should be focusing on the fog, the forest, the magic—but all I can think about is what I saw. Trixie. Kissing Michael. Laughing. Choosing him.
I know it wasn’t real. I know it was a trick. But it still feels like someone took a crowbar to my ribs and pried my chest open for fun.
I can’t even begin to imagine how Sonia’s holding it together.
Finally, Sonia breaks the silence. “Parker.”
Here we go.
She doesn’t look at me, just keeps walking. Focused. Dangerous.
“I have a question,” sh
