That’s when I noticed movement at the edge of the trees. Someone—or something—was coming. Not fast, not like the shadows. Slow. Deliberate. Human.
I froze, my energy pulsing in warning.
Asher stiffened beside me, eyes narrowing. “Who’s there?” He called, his voice low and cautious.
A figure stepped into the moonlight, and my breath caught. He was tall, lean, and wore a long coat that brushed the ground. His dark hair fell across his face, partially hiding sharp features, but I could feel his energy even from here. Chaotic. Dangerous. Familiar.
Asher’s eyes widened, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. His body tensed, muscles coiling as if ready to strike.
“Don’t.” He said, almost to himself.
The stranger smiled faintly, a grin that didn’t reach his eyes. “You should’ve known
