Chapter 29: Fate Inquiry Aria’s POV: The rustling in the darkness grew louder, more insistent. I stood frozen by the lake, my heart pounding so hard it felt like it might burst from my chest. Fear clawed at my throat, making it difficult to breathe. Every shadow seemed to shift and move, every whisper of the wind sounded like a threat. “Who’s there?” I called out again, my voice trembling. There was no response, only the oppressive silence that seemed to press in around me. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, and I felt an overwhelming sense of dread. The rustling grew louder, closed as if something— or someone—was moving through the trees, circling me. I backed away from the lake, my mind racing with fear. I could feel my wolf, Lila, stirring weakly within me, sharing in