The woman's voice was calm, almost indifferent, as she turned away from us. "We should get going."

She started walking, her dark cloak swaying with each step, making clear she expected us to follow. But Elijah stood firm, his voice sharp with suspicion.

"Why in the world would we follow you?"

The woman sighed, as if she had been expecting this reaction. “Because a pack of Umbrakins will be arriving soon. So will a group of the Children of the Eclipse. And trust me, you don't want to be here when they do."

That got my attention.

I exchanged glances with my mates. We were exhausted from the last fight, and if she was telling the truth, staying here was a death sentence. But that didn't mean we could trust her.

The woman walked over to our car, lifted a hand, and muttered a spell under her breath. A shimmering glow surrounded the vehicle, and right before our eyes, it shrunk down to the size of a toy. She casually picked it up and dropped it into her bag as if it were nothing.

Austin blinked. "Well, that's one way to fix the whole problem."

Isighed, rubbing my temples. This night was getting stranger by the second. "Fine. Lead the way."

The walk through the dense forest was eerily quiet, the only sounds being our footsteps and the distant rustling of leaves. The thick canopy above blocked most of the moonlight, casting eerie shadows that flickered with every step we took. I kept my senses sharp, ready for an ambush at any moment.

The woman moved with a fluid grace, barely making a sound. She didn't bother explaining where we were going, which only heightened my unease. I wanted to demand answers, but I also knew we didn't have much of a choice. If what she said was true, staying behind meant certain death.

After what felt like an eternity, we arrived at a small wooden cabin tucked deep in the woods. The structure was old but well-maintained, its logs sturdy despite the passage of time. Smoke curled lazily from the stone chimney, a clear sign that someone- presumably her-had been expecting company. Ivy climbed up the walls, partially covering the windows, and the scent of damp earth mixed with the aroma of burning cedar.

"Welcome to my home," the woman said, pushing open the door. "You can rest here."

Inside, the cabin was surprisingly cozy. A stone fireplace crackled with warmth, casting a soft golden glow over the rustic wooden walls. Shelves lined the room, filled with old, leather-bound books, jars of strange herbs, and trinkets I couldn't identify. A thick woven rug covered the wooden floor, its patterns intricate and worn. The furniture was simple but well-crafted-wooden chairs with plush cushions, a sturdy dining table, and a large wooden chest against the far wall. Elijah crossed his arms. "Why are you helping us?"

I got a good look at her, I noticed The sharpness of her cheekbones, the depth of her dark eyes, and the streaks of silver that

stiffened. "You're one of

didn't deny it. "I

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Chapter 154

filling the room with its warmth, but

gazing into the flames. "It's my destiny to help you, Stormi. That's why I've been living out here in the middle

curled into fists. "Waiting

a knowing smile.

subject of some mysterious prophecy or fate. I'd had enough

moment, she stood and walked toward the kitchen area, where the scent of something warm and savory filled the air. The wooden table was already set with earthenware bowls and a steaming pot in the center.

the food

leaned in.

"So does

of us moved to

up," Austin said,

"Why do I always have to be

clapped him on the shoulder. "Because we'll take care of

a bite. We all stared at him, waiting for something to

Alex said after a moment, chewing slowly. "Actually, it's really

scooped some of the

go through

unreadable in her dark eyes.

hard. I'd heard variations of that line

well-made wooden bed stood against one wall, its thick blankets neatly arranged. On the floor,

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