Chapter 19

There was a subtle aroma of dew and wildflowers in the chilly morning air. Instead of bringing me calm and tranquility, it made my chest feel constricted, as if a band were being stretched taut with each breath.

The road that had once been a sign of freedom was illuminated by the sun's golden rays as they danced between the trees as I stood at the border of the Crescent Moon forest.

It was more of a reminder of what I was never able to get away from now. I clenched my fingers around the silver pendant my mother had given me before she died. I frequently caught myself following its arcs, a quiet solace when the outside world seemed too much to handle. It provided no solace today.

I tried to block out the chaos roiling inside of me by closing my eyes. My thoughts were focused on Alpha Neon. Even when I was by myself, his strong and authoritative presence frightened me.