Chapter 75

Maya’s pov

His soft breathing is the only thing grounding me. I sit at the edge of his bed, knees pulled tight to my chest, eyes wide open though they burn with exhaustion. My hands are trembling. I can still hear it,those whispers on the wind, like invisible claws brushing against my skin.

"She’s close."

"He will choose."

"The balance is shifting."

I don't know what they mean, but every syllable sinks into my bones like ice. And the worst part? I don’t think they’re dreams anymore.

Jayden rolls in his sleep, murmurs something about pancakes and monsters, and snuggles deeper into his blanket fortress. I touch his cheek, warm and soft. Still untouched by the rot that's seeping into my world.

He’s safe, for now.

I rise, quietly as I can, and tiptoe down the hall. Henry’s door creaks open before I even touch it.

He’s curled in the corner of the bed, not the center, like he’s trying to disappear. The moonlight spills across his face. Pale. Too pale. His lips are trembling even in his slee