The little girl smiled.
And every instinct inside Elira screamed.
Run.
The child stood motionless between the ancient trees, moonlight filtering through branches above her.
Silver eyes.
Dark hair.
The same face.
The same features.
The same smile.
It was like staring into a reflection twisted by something unnatural.
Something wrong.
A cold knot formed in Elira's stomach.
Beside her, Nikolai stepped forward instinctively.
Placing himself slightly between her and the forest.
The gesture was small.
Almost unconscious.
Yet Elira noticed.
She always noticed.
The little girl tilted her head.
Still smiling.
Then took one slow step backward into the darkness.
The pale faces behind her remained motionless.
Hundreds of them.
Watching.
Waiting.
Smiling.
The sight made Elira's
