~CURSED OR CHOSEN~I gather what little courage I have left.For whatever it’s worth.I hold my breath and lift one foot over the edge of the stone tub, bracing myself for agony—for burning, for rejection, for the sacred water to expose me as a fraud.My foot slips beneath the surface.It feels cool.The tension in my lungs releases in a shaky breath. Slowly, carefully, I bring my second foot in. The moment both feet submerge, something surges through me.It isn't pain that I feel, but a raw, humming energy.A clean, rushing force climbs up my legs, into my spine, exploding softly behind my ribs. My fingers twitch as if lightning has threaded itself through my veins.The water begins to tremble.At first, it’s subtle—ripples brushing against my thighs. Then it grows violent. The entire tub rumbles beneath us, stone vibrating, water crashing against its edges.Gasps erupt around the cavern. I lift my head toward Damon.He stares at me with an intensity that is both overwhelming and cur
Last Updated : 2026-03-04 Read more