54. Whispers Among the Leaves

Standing outside the treehouse, Lia's confusion intensified. Uncertain of what to do, she hesitated for a moment. Eventually, fueled by a mix of worry and determination, she decided to climb up the house, a task proving to be more challenging than she anticipated. Struggling to ascend the unconventional structure, Lia finally managed to reach the entrance. As she stepped inside, her heart sank at the sight that greeted her – Damon lay lifeless on the ground, his still form casting a shadow over the otherwise serene treehouse. Approaching Damon with urgency, Lia gently shook him to rouse him from his seemingly lifeless state. To her relief, his eyes flickered open, but the person she saw was unrecognizable. Damon, with a distant gaze, looked up at her and uttered in a cold, detached tone, "What do you want?" His demeanor and the unfamiliarity in his eyes left Lia taken aback, as if encountering a different person altogether. "Damon, where have you been? I've been worried sick. N