The bridge groaned beneath Ezra’s boots as he gritted his teeth, every muscle in his body straining to keep his grip on Caroline’s arm. Below them, the chasm yawned like a mouth ready to swallow them both whole. Caroline’s fingers clutched desperately at Ezra’s wrist, her knuckles white with effort, her breath coming in short, panicked gasps.
“Hold on, Caroline!” Ezra barked, his voice sharp but trembling with strain.
“I’m trying!” she gasped, her legs swinging over the void as gravel and stone crumbled around her, tumbling into the abyss below.
At the far end of the bridge, the figure with glowing golden eyes stood still, its presence an immovable shadow against the swirling mist. Its voice cut through the chaos, smooth and measured, yet carrying a weight that settled deep in their bon
