82

Reunions

Damien moved through the dense forest, his footsteps muffled by the thick bed of leaves underfoot.

The trees stood tall and imposing around him, their branches twisting like gnarled fingers above his head.

Sunlight flickered through the canopy, casting scattered patches of light that danced across the forest floor.

The air was cool and fresh, carrying the earthy scent of moss and pine. Every now and then, the sound of a rustling branch or distant bird call made his heart race, but he pushed the anxiety aside, determined to keep moving.

The deeper he ventured, the more familiar the path became. He had been here before—just days ago.

This was where he had encountered Wulfric, the mysterious figure who had saved his life and then disappeared into the woods. But Wulfric was more than just a savior. He was family. Damien’s grandfather, though that fact had only recently come to light.

And now, after days of wrestling with the truth and the destiny Wulfric had spoken of, Damie