Third Pov
Maria took a deep breath, her mind racing. She knew Penelope, and she knew the danger she posed. "What do you want?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Penelope smiled, a cold, eerie smile. "Your help. There is a darkness rising, and we need to join forces to combat it."
Maria’s eyes widened in surprise. This was not what she had expected. "Why should I trust you?" she asked, suspicion evident in her tone.
"Because," Penelope replied, "if we do not unite, this darkness will consume us all."
Draven, Brynn, and Ethan watched the exchange, their minds working furiously to grasp the situation. The tension in the air was almost tangible, like a storm about to break.
Maria glanced at Draven, seeking his counsel. He nodded slightly, his eyes urging caution but also recogn
