CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The deepening twilight casts a silver glow over the woods, and I can feel the pulsing heart of the earth beneath my feet with every breath I take. The leaves rustle in a soft symphony, whispering secrets only I understand. Alec stands before me, his eyes reflecting the pale light like twin moons.
"Mark wants me to hide something about myself," I murmur, the words escaping on a shaky exhale. My gaze locks with Alec's, searching for an anchor in the storm that's been brewing inside me since Mark's request.
Alec steps closer, tilting his head ever so slightly—his expression a mix of concern and defiance. "Why would he ask you to do that?" His voice is steady and reassuring, an unwavering presence in the chaos of my emotions.
I tuck a strand of honey-blonde hair behind my
