Chapter 18 – “Dreams of the Dark”
Word Count: ~1300
Jenny couldn’t shake the chill that clung to her after what had happened at the café. Even hours later, after she and Rafiq brought Mira safely home, her hands still trembled. The air in her apartment felt heavier than usual, as if the darkness Malik left behind refused to leave.
Mira was asleep on Jenny’s couch, her breathing steady but shallow. Rafiq stood silently by the window, his golden aura faint, almost dim.
Jenny glanced at him. “You’ve been quiet all night.”
Rafiq didn’t turn. “I used too much energy fighting him. Malik draws power from fear… from chaos. The more afraid we become, the stronger he gets.”
Jenny hugged her knees. “Then he must be really strong right now.”
A small, tired smile curved on Rafiq’s lips. “Not if
