Dakota's warning.

The ritual tomorrow… Julian thought, feeling the anticipation building within him. What could they be planning?

Tomorrow, I will find out exactly what they are up to.

***

The morning light crept through the small windows, casting soft rays across the room as Julian slowly woke up. His body still ached from the tension of the previous night, but his mind was focused.

He silently made his way through the house, careful not to wake anyone.

When he reached the kitchen, he found Dakota preparing food. She glanced at him for a brief moment, before returning to her task without saying a word.

Unlike before, when she used to glare at him or look at him with visible disgust, her demeanor was different now. 

Julian stood still for a moment, studying her. There was something off about the way she was acting, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed.