The weight of Lily’s decision was a storm within her, churning and restless. Every step felt heavier as she, Eric, and her mother moved toward the secluded clearing where the counter-ritual would take place. For days, she’d prepared herself mentally, but nothing could dull the ache she felt now, knowing what she was about to do—severing the bond with Eric, her anchor, the one person who had made her feel safe in her own skin.
The morning was dark, and a faint mist clung to the ground, curling around their feet as if the earth itself were reluctant to let them go. Eric walked close beside her, his fingers brushing hers with every step, as though he were memorizing the feel of her touch, a silent acknowledgment of what they were about to lose. Lily stole a glance at him, her heart twisting
