Chapter 19: Unanswered Questions

Ethan ran through the forest, his heart pounding in his chest. The memories of the village, of the families torn apart by the soldiers and their weapons, was still fresh in his mind.

He was furious, confused, and felt like he was drowning in a sea of unanswered questions. Why was he different? Why did he have to hide? And above all, why couldn't his mother be honest with him?

He had run for hours, his legs aching, until he finally collapsed onto the ground, his breaths coming in short gasps and sweat pouring down his brow.

It was then, in the middle of the woods, that he saw a dark mist start to fill the air around him. It swirled, roiling and twisting until it became a figure.

The figure was ominous and menacing, yet still handsome. It seemed to float in the mist, and Ethan couldn't help but feel uneasy as the figure loomed over him. He wasn't sure whether to be frightened or intrigued.