The night had fallen silent, save for the crackling of the fire that burned low in the cave. Shadows danced on the stone walls as Ash and I stood close, the air thick with unspoken words. The tension between us was palpable, a storm waiting to break.
I had said the words, offered him the truth—offered him my loyalty, my dark choice. And now, I needed to act. There was no turning back from this.
Ash turned toward me, his piercing gaze heavy with suspicion. “You said you were with me,” he murmured, his voice low, dangerous. “But there’s still doubt in your eyes. I can see it. I don’t trust you, Lux.”
His words struck deeper than I’d expected. But I couldn’t afford to hesitate, couldn’t let this moment slip away.
“I’m here, Ash,” I said, my voice steady, despite the chaos inside. “I’ll pr
