Chapter 135

Ardan’s PoV I was ten years old, running through the woods with my best friend, Ren. Ren and I were inseparable, always finding excuses to sneak away from our lessons and explore the forest that bordered our pack’s land. That day, we’d wandered farther than usual, chasing the echo of a distant waterfall. The sound was faint, teasing us with its mystery, and Ren was determined to find it. “Come on, Ardan!” he called with his grin wide as he darted ahead. “Slow down, Ren,” I shouted, laughing as I tried to keep up. We were so caught up in the thrill of the chase that we didn’t notice the stillness creeping into the air. The birds stopped singing, the rustle of leaves quieted, and the usual hum of the forest faded into an eerie silence. It wasn’t until Ren screamed that I realised something was wrong. I came to a stop with my laughter dying in my throat as I turned to see him frozen in place and his eyes wide with terror. At first, I didn’t understand what he was looking at—then I saw it.