The moon hung heavy in the night sky, casting a silvery glow over the forest. Chanel and Devon stood at the edge of the cabin’s clearing, their expressions shadowed by determination. The air between them crackled with tension, though it was not born from conflict but from the weight of what lay ahead.
Devon glanced at Chanel, his vibrant blue eyes searching hers. “Are you ready for this?” he asked, his voice low, edged with concern.
Chanel inhaled deeply, grounding herself. Ava’s wisdom still echoed in her mind, offering strength she didn’t know she had. “I’m ready,” she said softly. “I know what I have to do.”
Devon stepped closer, his hand reaching for hers. “You still haven’t told me everything,” he said, his tone carefully measured. “You’re holding something back, Chanel.”
She met
