61. The Storm Roars

The air grows even heavier, as if the house itself is holding its breath. I can feel it—the weight of what’s about to come. The bond between Shadow and me, that tether pulling us tightly together, feels like the only thing keeping us upright. But I know it won’t be enough if we don’t face what’s stalking us. And that terrifies me more than I’d ever admit.

We part slowly, the kiss still burning on our lips like a spark caught in the dark. Shadow watches me—his eyes, like shattered mirrors, reflect a torment he never shows, a vulnerability that consumes me every time I see him up close.

“They're looking for us,” he says. His voice is low, calm—but it’s a calm that feels more like a mask than a certainty. That word—looking—cuts deep. Because I know he’s not just talking about those chasing us down physically, but about those who want to destroy what we have. What we are.

The violent sound of doors slamming open and shut makes me jump. The ticking of the wall clock grows sharper, louder—so precise it feels like an omen. Like maybe time is running out faster than we think.

“Are you ready?” I ask him, though I already know the answer. I know his soul better than anyone, and even though fear and uncertainty coil around him, I know Shadow never runs.

He smiles—but it’s a strained smile, as if every muscle in his body is at war with itself. In his eyes, I see all he’s given up, all he’s afraid to lose. But I see something else too: a readiness to fight with a ferocity I still can’t fully comprehend.

“Always,” he answers, and though the word sounds solid, there’s something in his tone that makes me hesitate. It’s not fear—it’s something deeper. Something he’s never dared say aloud: the doubt that maybe, in the end, we won’t be able to stay together.

My chest tightens, and for a moment, it’s like all the air has been ripped from my lungs. The feeling of walking a tightrope sharpens. But I don’t have time to hesitate. I can’t afford that kind of weakness. I look into his eyes, dark and endless—the only place that’s ever felt like home.

“We love each other, Shadow. That’s all that matters. No one can take that from us. No one can destroy it.”

It’s a declaration meant more for myself than for him, but I say it hoping—desperately—that the words sink into him the way they’ve sunk into me.

The groan of wood beneath our feet breaks the moment, and we both turn toward the door. The noises outside the house are rising, closing in. I feel the danger tightening around us like a predator circling in the dark. My breath quickens, and adrenaline surges through my veins like sweet poison.

“It’s time,” I say, and my voice sounds steadier than I feel.

Shadow nods, but the intensity in his gaze doesn’t fade. He grips my hand tightly, and for one brief instant, I feel more grounded than ever. Passion, fear, rage—they all fuse together in that one gesture. We are two souls willing to lose ourselves in each other before surrendering to whatever threat looms ahead.

“Let’s do this,” he whispers, and before I can speak, we’re charging toward the front door.

The rain crashes down, drumming against the roof and windows, the sound echoing like war drums. Outside, the darkness is thicker than ever—and the storm isn’t just rain. It’s war breaking loose on every front. Screams, shadows flitting through the trees, it all merges into a symphony of chaos that steals the breath from my lungs.

But Shadow is by my side, and that’s all that matters.

We sprint down the hallway, our steps thunderous against the floor. Every muscle in my body is taut, every sense on high alert. I’m ready for the worst. But Shadow doesn’t look so certain. Something’s gnawing at him from the inside. His eyes gleam with a dangerous intensity, but there’s desperation behind them that unnerves me.

“Shadow, what is it?” My voice is sharp with urgency, but he just lowers his head.

“We can’t keep running, Emily.”

His words fall heavy between us.

“If this ends, I want it to end with you. I won’t leave you behind. I can’t. But I also know\... there are things that put you in danger—things we can’t control.”

I stare at him, feeling the ache in my chest, the weight of the truth he’s finally letting slip. But I can’t hesitate now. I can’t let fear take over. We’ve made it this far together, and that’s what matters. There’s no turning back.

“Don’t leave me, Shadow.”

My voice trembles, not from the words, but from the terror of losing him.

“We fight. Together. Don’t walk away now.”

His eyes lock onto mine, and for a second, something flickers in his gaze. Something that almost breaks me. But then he takes a step back, severing the connection, and I know—something’s about to happen. Something neither of us is ready for, but it’s coming all the same.

The footsteps outside grow louder, and a silhouette appears against the weak glow of the lamp. And in that moment, the world halts, the storm erupts, and our lives change forever.