Chapter 7

Scarlett's POV

The man who stepped from the shadows carried an air of authority so thick it weighed on the air around him. His tall frame, filled with darkness, made the night seem colder and harsher. The eyes

that met mine were as black as the night void of warmth but full of something I couldn't explain.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” He said again, his voice weirdly calm.

A shiver ran down my spine, but I got myself ready. There was no way in hell I’d show weakness to this stranger, whoever or whatever he was. I clenched the stone tighter in my hand, feeling its power move through me.

“Well, isn’t that flattering,” I said, forcing a smirk. “Sorry, I’m late. Traffic in the woods is a nightmare.”

He didn’t react; he just stared at me with those pitch-black eyes. “You think this is a game?” His voice was barely above a whisper, yet it carried enough echo to send a shake through the ground under us. “You are standing at the heart of the curse, and yet, you jest.”

My heart raced, but I wa