Amara’s POVBlood dried too fast. Sticky warmth turned to cracked rust between my fingers, and for a moment I couldn’t move—not from fear, but disbelief. It wasn’t mine. I was sure of that now. My heartbeat pulsed consistently, no injury, no discomfort. And still the metallic odor enveloped me like a second layer. Kael lay next to me, one arm draped over his face, completely oblivious. I observed him—his chest lifting, his breathing leisurely, body untouched. The sheets, wrapped around us, were pristine except for the marks my hands left on them. A shiver ran down my spine, freezing my breath. Something occurred while I was sleeping. I quietly got out of bed, my heart pounding in my throat, and walked to the mirror. Beneath the wavering lantern light, I inspected my body thoroughly, and then it appeared to me. An emblem. Dim initially, resembling an old bruise, then deepening as I gazed. Winding black ink curled under my ribcage, throbbing as though it were alive. I was unaware of
Last Updated : 2025-12-19 Read more