Chapter 38: "The Choice of Love"

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the village as Taylor and Alex stood frozen at the doorstep of their cottage. The woman’s warning echoed in their minds, her words lingering like a shadow over their hearts. The night seemed colder and more ominous, as if the world itself were holding its breath, waiting for the choice that could change everything. Taylor felt a knot of anxiety tightening in her chest. The idea of having to choose between love and safety—between risking everything for what she held dear and holding back out of fear—was terrifying. But even as that fear gripped her, she couldn’t deny the depth of her feelings for Alex. Their love had always been a constant, a beacon of hope in a world full of uncertainties. Alex’s hand on her arm brought her back to the present. His touch was warm and reassuring, and it gave her the courage she needed to face whatever was coming. He looked into her eyes, his expression filled with concern and resolve. “Taylor,”