Chapter 2: The Curse of the Hollow

Serena’s breath came in sharp, shallow gasps as she stumbled through the forest, the cold air burning her lungs. The ancient trees loomed above, their twisted branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. The forest of Silver Hollow was alive — and it was watching. She didn’t know how long she’d been running, only that her legs ached, and her body screamed for rest. But she couldn’t stop. Not yet. Not while Lucien’s scent still lingered on her skin, poisoning every breath. “Serena,” the wind seemed to whisper, but it wasn’t Lucien’s voice. It was older. Harsher. Her foot caught on a root, and she crashed to the ground with a sharp cry. Dirt smeared her face, and her palms stung from scraping against rocks. She stayed there, trembling, the bond to Lucien thrumming painfully in her chest. “Why can’t I stop feeling you?” she whispered, voice breaking. “Why do I still care?” The forest didn’t answer. Or maybe it did. A faint hum rippled through the ground, like a heartbeat beneath the soil. The shadows around her thickened, pressing in closer, and the temperature dropped until her breath fogged the air. “You wish to be free,” a voice rasped, echoing through the trees. Serena scrambled to her feet, her heart hammering. “Who’s there?” Branches creaked, and a figure emerged from the darkness — a woman, or something that had once been a woman. Her skin was ashen, her eyes hollow, and her mouth twisted into a jagged smile. “You carry the bond of the Hollow,” the figure said, voice layered with the sound of leaves rustling. “But bonds can be broken.” Serena’s chest tightened. “How?” The figure tilted her head, strands of hair falling over her gaunt face. “Blood. Sacrifice. Pain. The bond is power — and power does not release its grip without a price.” Serena swallowed hard, her fingers curling into fists. “I’ll pay for it. Any price, I'll pay it" The figure’s smile widened. “Brave little wolf. But the forest does not give without taking. Are you ready to lose something you cannot replace?” Serena didn’t hesitate. “I’ve already lost everything. Everything! My family, my life, my love, everything" The figure faded into mist, her voice lingering in the air. “Then follow the blood moon. The forest will guide you.” Serena wiped her face and pressed forward, deeper into the forest, each of the steps were fueled by rage and heartbreak. She didn’t know what the ritual would cost, but whatever it was, she was ready, she would endure it. No matter what. Because she refused to let Lucien win. --- Back at the manor, Lucien paced the length of the grand hall, his jaw tight and eyes wild. The bond pulsed dully in his chest, a constant reminder of Serena’s absence. “She’ll come back,” Evelyn purred from the couch, her legs draped over the armrest. She swirled a glass of wine in her hand, the crimson liquid catching the firelight. “She always does.” Lucien ignored her, rubbing the back of his neck. “Something is wrong. I don't know what it is but something is wrong somewhere" Evelyn sighed dramatically. “You care too much, Lucien. She doesn’t deserve your concern.” Lucien’s head snapped toward her, eyes glowing. “Stay out of this, Evelyn.” She rolled her eyes, taking a slow sip of wine. “You’re so predictable. She runs, you chase. She cries, you beg. And yet, she never learns, does she?” Lucien growled, but Evelyn only smirked. “She’s weak,” Evelyn whispered, her voice venomous. “And weak wolves die in the Hollow.” Lucien’s heart lurched, and without another word, he stormed out of the manor, shifting into his wolf form and tearing into the forest. The bond might have been a curse, but it was also a beacon — and he would follow it until he found her. Whether she wanted him to or not. --- Serena collapsed by a stream, her muscles shaking. The moonlight glowed against the water’s surface, and when she looked down, she saw her reflection — her face looked pale, her eyes bloodshot, her lips were trembling. “I can do this,” she whispered, as if saying it aloud would make it true. The forest rustled around her, and in the distance, a low, guttural growl echoed through the trees. Serena’s pulse quickened, her instincts screaming danger, but she didn’t move. If something was hunting her, let it come. Afterall, She had nothing left to lose.