~Laurent
The forest had gone completely still.
No wind. No sound. Even the ash that had been falling like slow snow hung motionless in the air.
Ashmother’s eyes fixed on me—two moons burning silver in the smoke. Her gaze wasn’t angry. It was ancient. Measured. The kind that saw through bone, into the wiring underneath.
I’d fought monsters that howled, screamed, cursed my name.
This one didn’t need to. She was the curse.
[Warning: Entity’s mana output exceeds calculable limits.]
[Estimated power ratio—1:1200.]
[Recommendation: Immediate retreat.]
Retreat wasn’t an option. The Resin was behind her.
I kept my voice even. “You said I had to pay.”
Her head tilted, and the trees tilted with it, branches bending like they were listening. “Yes. A price equal to the theft.”
My fingers t
