LILA’S POVThe hand stopped inches from me.Not because it was weak.Not because it couldn’t reach.But because it was waiting.Waiting for me.Everything around me felt suspended like the world had been paused at the edge of collapse.The forest didn’t move.The wind didn’t breathe.Even the chaos of battle behind us had turned distant, muted, like reality itself was holding its breath.Nathan’s grip on my shoulders tightened.“Lila… don’t,” he said again.His voice cracked.Not with command.With fear.I didn’t look at him.Because if I did…I might break.The creature beyond the crack loomed closer.Its form was still incomplete, but its presence filled everything.It wasn’t just large.It was fundamental.Like it existed underneath thought itself.And it knew me.Open it.The voice was softer now.Not demanding.Certain.You are the only reason it is still closed.My breath shook.“No…” I whispered.But even I didn’t know what I was refusing anymore.Behind me, the corrupted mates
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