68. (JO POV)

(JO POV)

It was so odd. I realized that Dane often intentionally drifted in and out of my dreams. It wasn't the same kind of connection as when we went to his whitespace, but it was clear he was there. This time, though, something felt off.

In my dream, I stood fishing near a river. The water pulsed rhythmically, like a heartbeat.

I watched, entranced, until the world around me began to darken. I glanced up at the sun and then back down to find the water had turned blood red, the rhythm slowing ominously.

Suddenly, the world vanished into a black void, and I floated in that emptiness momentarily before jolting back to reality. Blinking, I saw Magness looming over me, veins pulsing red, eyes pitch black.

He looked like pure evil.

Yet he was saving my life. I could feel that much.

When he left, it took a minute to gather my thoughts. As reality snapped back, I realized I was wrapped in Dierk's arms while Dane held us both, and Percy hovered nearby, concern etched on his face.

I pushed