Page 103

My heart stopped, and my breath caught in the frigid air.

I've seen this range before.

My breathing quickened as I scanned my surroundings, clutching the makeshift dagger I made from the thick stick, hoping it would be enough for a fight.

Fear gnawed at my insides, cold and relentless. I looked back up at the mountain peaks, memories flooding my mind: dark reds and blinding flashes of light, the overwhelming terror, the cold metal of the manacles, the screeching monster, and the shadowy figure's fingers wrapping around my throat.

"No," I breathed, my voice trembling. "No, no, no."

Panic gripped me as I backed against the rocky surface, my eyes darting around for any sign of movement. The terrain seemed to close in on me; my increasing awareness of this place and the horrors it invokes were suffocating. Each shadow felt like it was coming alive, and every rustle of the wind was a whisper of impending doom. The memory of the shadow man, with his cold, menacing presence, flashed through my mind.

I closed my eyes, shaking away the images and the fear that threatened to paralyze me.

Inhale.

I am in control. I am in con—

A blinding pain seared through my mind, dropping me to my knees.

No, no, no. No!

I am in control.

Another wave of agony crashed over me, and I crumpled to the ground, convulsing in torment.

"Welcome home, Eliah,"the sinister voice hissed, slurring and elongating my name as it raked down my spine.

My throat tightened, my breath stolen by the invasion. I fought back with every ounce of strength I had left.

GET OUT!

"Accept your fate, Eliah. Don't fight it—"

"GET OUT. GET OUT!"My screams shattered the oppressive silence, echoing off the towering walls of the alcove.

Desperation fueled my actions as I slammed my hand against my head, channeling my rage at the insidious presence burrowing into my mind. I latched onto its oily black tendrils, crushing them with a fiery intensity until they sizzled and convulsed like the Breva and vaporized to a dulling headache.

With a hiss, air rushed back into my lungs, and I uncoiled my body, lying flat on the icy ground. Gasping for breath, I stared at the dark sky that twinkled in an embrace.

"No…more," I gasped, a desperate plea to the uncaring void.

They know I'm here. This is their territory.

Swallowing my anger, I forced myself to sit up.

Did Levon know the Match would be here?

Flexing my fingers, I stood, unwilling to waste another second wallowing in pity.

The sooner I finished this, the sooner I could escape their domain.

I stomped down the hill, letting the eerie moon guide my way. I clutched the sharp branch in my hand and let thisenergyof my anger build up and steam off me, melting the frozen ground under my weight.

"What'shappening to me?" I whispered, the weight of the past few months pressing heavily on my shoulders.

Every lie. Every secret. Every fight and aching limb.

Every kiss.