Chapter 36

Chapter Thirty Six

I woke with a gasp, my heart pounding in my chest. For a moment, couldn't tell where I was, the memory of the dream clinging to me like a heavy fog.

My hands gripped the blanket tightly, and I stared up at the ceiling my breath coming in shallow bursts. It had felt so real-the fear, the pain, the desperation.

I sat up slowly, pressing a hand to my chest as 1 tried to steady myself. The memory of the boy's face lingered, his dark eyes filled with a mixture of courage and heartbreak.

"What was that?" I whispered to myself, my voice shaking.

It wasn't just a dream. I knew that with a certainty that made my stomach churn. It was something more-something tied to the riddles, to the Moon Goddess, to the lineage I was only beginning to understand.

Who was that boy? Was he part of my family? And if so, what had happened to him? To the grandfather who had sacrificed himself?

The faint smell of cedarwood and musk filled my senses. A scent I knew allk too well, Elijah. The bed beneath me was softer than anything I had ever felt before, and for a moment, I thought I was still dreaming. But then the hum of voices reached my ears, pulling me fully into consciousness. My body ached, and my head felt like it had been through a storm, but I managed to blink my

eyes open.

Iwasn't in my cabin. The familiar luxurious furnishings and the dark wooden accents told me I was in Elijah's room. standing near the edge of the bed was a small group of people, their faces etched with worry.

Mariah was the first to notice I was awake. She let out a soft gasp, her green eyes shining with relief. "Stormi!" she exclaimed, rushing to my side and wrapping me in a tight hug before I could even sit up properly.

“Careful,” I murmured, my voice hoarse. My body protested every movement, but I couldn't focus on the pain. My mind was racing, replaying the vivid dream-or memory-I had seen.

"Are you okay?" Mariah asked, pulling back to examine me. Her hands cupped my face as she studied me closely, her usual stern demeanor replaced with tender concern.

replied, trying to steady my

in. Eira, the witch who had been helping us decode the riddle, exchanged a glance with Elijah, who stood

you

ache in my ribs. "My ancestors. The boy and the girl-they survived. Which means my parents... they

words came out in a rush, filled with hope

the room, hoping someone would confirm what I was

Eira asked, stepping closer. Her voice was calm, but

eyes.

through it. The boy said our grandfather told them to run, and they did. They survived the

made it, then my parents

tense silence followed my declaration. Mariah shifted

while Elijah's jaw tightened.

1/2

Chapter Thirty Six

wasn't right.

to find them," I said firmly, looking directly at Elijah and then at Mariah. "If there's a chance they're

maybe they know more about this

but hesitant, "Maybe we

balled into fists on the blankets. "I can't just sit here and do nothing. If they're alive, I did to find them, maybe they can help me understand. maybe they know

her tone sharp but not unkind. She straightened her back, exuding the authority she rarely used on me. "Everyone, leave the room. I need to speak with

heart sinking. What was

"Mariah-"

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