Whispers in the dark

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Chapter: Whispers in the Dark

The next morning, Ivy jolted awake, her body drenched in sweat and her heart pounding in her chest. She had dreamt she was alone in a dark forest, something monstrous chasing her through the trees. She couldn't remember the shape or the sound—but those yellow eyes... they haunted her. Burning, wild, and watching.

She rubbed her arms, trying to shake the feeling. "It was just a dream," she whispered to herself, trying to ground her thoughts.

After pulling herself together, she went into the kitchen and made breakfast for Xander. He was already up, seated at the table, swinging his legs playfully.

"Morning, Mama!" he beamed.

"Morning, love," she said softly, placing a plate in front of him.

They ate together in peace. After breakfast, she packed his things and drove him to school.

"Be good, Xander."

"I will, Mama. I'll behave," he promised with a cheeky smile before running off.

She watched him go, heart tugging at the thought of how fast he was growing. Then she made her way to her college.

The first thing she noticed was James wasn't there.

She scanned the hallways, the classrooms, even the outdoor benches—but no sign of him. A thought crossed her mind. What if it was the rogue who called him?

They were connected, somehow. She knew it deep in her gut. But she pushed the thought away, trying not to let paranoia cloud her mind again.

Still, she couldn't shake the unease.

The day dragged on. Aslam was with her through classes, chatting, trying to lighten the mood. But Ivy's thoughts were scattered.

Where is Jayden?

Why didn't James show up?

She tried calling James's number, but it was switched off. The silence on the other end only deepened her worry.

At lunch, she and Aslam sat together at a small table in the corner of the cafeteria. Ivy barely touched her food.

"You okay?" Aslam asked, nudging her gently.

"Yeah... just tired," she lied.

Later, as they entered their next class, Ivy's breath caught in her throat.

Jayden was there.

But he wasn't the Jayden she remembered. His posture was stiff, his eyes were red and swollen, and his hands were covered in fresh bandages. He looked like a man broken—like someone who had been through hell and barely made it out.

Her chest ached at the sight of him. What happened to you?

But she didn't move. She couldn't. She just stood there and watched him from afar, her heart screaming to reach out—but her feet stayed frozen.

Aslam shook her gently. "Ivy? You okay?"

She blinked. "Yeah. Let's sit."

But her mind didn't stay in class. It kept drifting back to Jayden. The sadness in his eyes. The exhaustion written all over him. Why was he hurt? And where had James gone?

Then, as if summoned by her spiraling thoughts, a voice echoed in her head—soft, gentle, but firm.

"He misses you. He is hurting. You should ask for his forgiveness."

Ivy jumped, startled, her eyes scanning the room. Who said that?

"Who are you?" she whispered under her breath. "Why are you talking to me?"

The voice returned, but softer now. "I'm sorry. I cannot say. But everything is part of the goddess's plan."

Her hands clenched into fists. She was tired—tired of being confused, tired of being pulled between emotions, pain, and now cryptic voices that wouldn't speak plainly.

Why couldn't anyone just say what they meant?

The pressure inside her exploded. Ivy stood up abruptly, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. Without a word, she turned and stormed out of the classroom, ignoring the eyes that followed her.

She didn't know where she was going.

She just knew she needed to breathe.

To think.

To be alone—before everything collapsed.

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Yeah I couldn't wait I'll try to update more