61

** ** **

Damien had finally managed to escape from his grandmother’s relentless training. What had started as an exciting opportunity quickly turned into a grueling ordeal.

Every muscle in his body ached, and his mind was clouded with fatigue. The training, meant to sharpen his instincts, had become unbearable.

Using the excuse that he needed a break to relieve himself, he slipped away from the house, intent on stealing a moment of peace. As soon as he was clear of the property, Damien broke into a brisk walk, letting the cool air ease some of the tension from his body.

The winding path led him toward the forest just beyond the estate, its towering trees swaying gently in the late afternoon breeze.

At first, the walk was calming, the soft crunch of leaves beneath his feet a welcome distraction from the weight of the day. But as he wandered further, something odd tugged at his senses.

A strange, almost magnetic pull drew him deeper into the woods. It was subtle at first, like a whi