The firelight was a fragile barrier, a flickering shield against the oppressive darkness that seemed to press closer with every passing second.
Kai sat beside the dying embers, shoulders trembling as he fought to steady his ragged breath. The flames cast wavering shadows across his face, warmth licking at his skin, but deep inside him, a chill settled—cold and unyielding, freezing his core.
Something ancient had looked through him in that forest. Not merely seen him, but recognized him. A presence older than time itself, aware of his every secret, every fracture.
His hands moved instinctively, rubbing together until the skin blanched, then reddened with friction. The sharp sting grounded him, tethering him back to the present. Reminding him that he was still here—still flesh and blood, still mortal. Not some drifting, broken soul like the one he'd glimpsed in the mirror.
