33

The forest was veiled in mist, as the moon, lacking its full radiance, cast a dim, yellowish glow resembling a dull halo. Encircling the moon was a foreboding red ring, emitting an eerie light. It was a perilous phase of the lunar cycle, particularly when the mist rolled in, thick and suffocating, shrouding the ground with a dense layer that rose up to a foot high, slithering through the trees as if it possessed life itself. The mist dampened sounds and dulled the senses, providing an advantage to the shadowy figures that lurked, preying on the unsuspecting.

Aria, woke up on the floor, getting used to the wooden floor of the bedroom apartment.

For a while, she remained paralyzed with fear, attuned to the sound of her own racing heartbeat, feeling weightless yet confined, exposed to the elements. The guardians above assured her of their watchful presence, a claim that was likely true, but after enduring captivity since birth, she trusted no one except her sister, Blaire. But that trus