The days after Kimberly's strange encounter in the forest moved slowly, each one filled with a quiet tension that no one could name but everyone could feel.
Theo tried to hold her closer, but the gap between them grew wider.
Kimberly withdrew into herself, and the woman who claimed to be her mother watched silently, guilt chewing at her like a disease.
Weeks passed.
The moon had waxed and waned twice since the night Kimberly heard the voice in her head. Yet the memory lingered in her heart, heavier each time she closed her eyes.
One evening, Theo stood on the training ground, sparring with Elijah. The clang of blades echoed through the cool air as their men trained in the background.
Elijah pushed harder, sweat glistening on his forehead, but Theo blocked him with ease.
"You're distracted," Elijah said, catching his breath.
Theo sheathed his blade. "So are you. You keep looking over your shoulder."
