The night was thick with tension as Bellamy’s limp body was carried into the Great Elders’ hall. His eyes, black as obsidian, glinted with something unnatural. Ash held onto him with a tight grip, knuckles white, his breath erratic. The air around Bellamy seemed to hum with a low, ominous energy.
As soon as they crossed the threshold, Bellamy's body jerked violently, and the voice that came from his mouth was not his own.
"Nova... you cannot run forever. The child is mine."
Nova froze. The words, though spoken in Bellamy’s voice, carried a chilling resonance that felt ancient, vile. Kade stepped between her and Bellamy instantly, his hand brushing her back as a quiet reminder.
“Don’t listen to him,” Kade murmured. “It’s not him. He’s not in there.”
Ash staggered forward, wild-eyed. “T
