Ella's POV
The forest whispered with unease, as if it had felt what I had.
The magic still clung to the air, sharp and burning like cold fire. Whatever had attacked—it wasn't physical. It had curled into my
bones like smoke, leaving me on the forest floor, trembling and breathless.
My fingers dug into the mossy earth, trying to anchor myself. My heartbeat hadn't slowed. Not since the symbols flared with cursed light—pale green etched into the trees like glowing wounds. Not since the voice whispered my name in a tongue I shouldn't understand.
Guardian...
I curled tighter, my scarred arms cradling my body as if I could shield myself from things beyond teeth and claws. Things older. Smarter. Hungrier.
And then the sound of footsteps crushed the silence.
I didn't need to look to know
