CLARA
He stared at me, eyes wide, piercing mine with an intensity that made my chest tighten. His hands trembled slightly, lips quivering as if holding back something urgent.
"Clara… did you go near it?" His voice was sharp, laced with barely restrained panic. He stepped closer, never breaking eye contact, his every movement deliberate, tense.
I froze. My tongue felt glued to the roof of my mouth.
No… I hadn’t gone in. Tina or Lina had yanked me back, warning me of the curse, of the danger. I tried to speak, but my words refused to form.
"Clara… talk to me," he pressed, crouching slightly, hands shaking with fear and urgency. "Did you?"
I opened my mouth. My heart was hammering so loudly I thought he could hear it. "I–I…"
His gaze narrowed. Chest rising and falling rapidly. "Yes… g
