f her ridiculous errands. She'd insisted I pick up a hemmed cloak from the seamstress on the far side of the village, even thou

on preparing his favorite meal, her lips

n't let me have a moment of

hop and walked through the village. Then, as I approached the

digging into my senses. Her voice came next, low a

Y, JADE. I

always sounded inhuman. Like

been dragged into the void, only to awa

ach time it goes hunting,' I thought, hugging my arms around myself. The faint chi

the shadows shielding me as I

ing gently in the breeze. Without hesitation, I grabbed a tunic and leggings, whispering a

My hands trembled as I knelt beside it, using a piec

~

eets. The grand structure loomed ahead, its polished shutters and stone foundation a testament t

amassed enough wealth to surround himself with luxury and servants. But despite his

ing errands. I had returned empty-handed from the seamstress's shop, and I

l. Like a dirty slap to my conscience, memories of Elaine's terrified screams resurfaced.

at, and I struggled to inhale. The beast then withdrew its heightened

ly rose to my feet and for

" I muttered u

lene's errand; it was time to

~

of comforting me, it made my stomach clench. It wasn't hunger-I couldn't even think abou

always did, poised and perfect, dressed in a deep burgundy gown that shimmered as she moved. Her children-Gregor, Lil

corner of the table. Her little face brightened when

icing through the air like a blade. It w

barely above a whisper. "I

r tone loud enough to carry across the

smirked. "Or maybe talking to the crows a

through the roo

her blue eyes brimming wit

my mind, but the ring's power held her back. I swallowed the fire rising in my chest and stepped further

g out again, silen

is it?"

ing she wasn't d