Ella's POV
I tossed and turned all night, haunted by visions of the pendant's ominous red glow. Sleep eluded me as I worried about the curse growing stronger, consuming Jayden and I in its malevolent grasp.
When the first rays of dawn peeked through my window, I jolted upright in bed. My head pounded from another restless night, but a more pressing fear gripped my heart - the stone.
I looked down, my breath catching in my throat as I saw the pendant around my neck pulsating with that same vibrant red hue.
"No, no, no!" I gasped, clutching the stone in dismay. "This couldn't be happening. The curse was supposed to be weakening, not gaining strength!"I yelled.
Panicked, I rushed out of my room to find Jayden. I had to warn him that we were running out of time.
I found Jayden in the great hall, concern already etched on his face as I ran up to him. "Jay! The stone - it's glowing red again!" I cried out breathlessly.
Jayden's expression turned grim, his jaw clenching. He took my hand
