low. Although the moon had lost its deep, blood-red hue, it still cast an ominous glow, covering the forest in a creepy light that seemed captivating and unsettling. Behind

ng. The ground was filled with bodies. Villagers she had spoken to before, faces she knew and loved, now lifeless and still. She stumbled forward, a cry of despair escaping her lips. "No... This shouldn't happen". But Kyre's firm arm restrained her, his voice low and urgent. "Take a look". In the village square, a figure stood ominously still, hoodie pulled low over their face, hands stained crimson. Aerin's heart sank as she recognized Mara. "Mara!" Aerin cried out, heart leaping. The woman turned. Her eyes held a violet glow. But not like Maeron. But touched by him. Darkness. Twisted. "I'm sorry", Mara whispered with guilt in her voice as blood dripped from her blade. "I tried... I tried to stop him, but I couldn't". Kyre's face twisted in a fierce grimace. "She's possessed". "No she isn't" Aerin said slowly, moving forward. "She's not possessed but chosen". Mara's hand quivered. "He showed things to me. Things concerning the past, about Teresa and about you. The council... our own people... they lied to us, Aerin. They slaughtered witches who wouldn't comply with them. Teresa tried to fight against them... and they killed her family for it. And Maeron wants to burn it all down so we can rebuild. Can't you see that? He isn't here for chaos or destruction but he's here for justice". Aerin's heart sank. "At what cost Mara?" "Sometimes destruction is needed". With a wave of her hand, corrupted magic erupted. Kyre moved forward, but Aerin stepped in front of him. "Don't Mara". She said softly. "If at all your're still in there..." "I am," Mara whispered, hot tears streaming down her eyes. "But it's too late. I already gave him access to me. I already opened the gate. The circle is weakening. The veil is thinning". The air shook. Fractures appeared in the sky, brief flashes like lightening, ripping through illusion. Aerin's voice was rough. "Why all this Mara?" You usually brought me tea in the morning. You chatted with me. You cared for me". "And I still do", Mara said. "But he made me make a choice". Then there was a long silence. Then Aerin stepped forward and hugged Mara tightly. Mara stiffened, then collapsed into her arms crying. "I'm so sorry Aerin", she sobbed. "I didn't know what he would do" . "Where is he right now", Kyre said darkly. "He is in the woods" Mara whispered. "At the ancestral tree. That's where the gate is opening". Kyre clenched his fists. Aerin looked at the burning village around them. She then turned to Kyre. "We put an end to it there". They buried the dead bodies at dawn. Mara assisted, her hands shaking, filled with guilt . She didn't ask for forgiveness, and Aerin didn't offer it, not now. But the pains in her eyes was real. Later on, while others were sleeping, Aerin sat alone near the creek, journal open in her lap . The ink moved again and there was another writing. The second shard lies beneath the beneath the weeping tree She frowned. "Weeping tree?" Then she recalled the tree at the heart of the woods that was ancient, twisted and sacred. She whispered to the pages. "And what about the third?" There was no answer. Kyre moved close to her and sat beside her. "You're starting to resemble her when you re