Chapter 153

Aimee's POV

The forest was unusually quiet, as if even the wind was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen. I stood there with James, feeling the warmth of his arms around me, but despite the comfort of his embrace, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease crawling up my spine. James had always been strong, always someone I could depend on, but lately, the curse that Emily had placed on him was starting to wear him down. I could see it in his eyes—the darkness creeping in, threatening to consume him.

His words still echoed in my mind. *"I don't deserve you."*