Chapter 16 Blood Ties

The moon hung high in the sky, casting its pale light over the ancient trees. Lyra’s breath came out in shallow gasps, her senses heightened to an almost unbearable degree. Every rustle in the leaves, every shift in the air felt amplified, as though the forest itself was alive and listening. She could feel Kaidën's presence beside her, his body just inches away, his energy radiating through the space between them. They had spent the better part of the night in silence, walking through the dense woods, the weight of their pasts, their choices, and the secrets between them hanging heavy. But now, as they stopped by a small clearing, the tension was thick with unspoken words.