Chapter 69: Shadows of the Past

The moon hung high in the sky, casting eerie shadows as Ashley and Amelia made their way through the dense forest. The adrenaline that had fueled their escape was fading, replaced by an overwhelming exhaustion that weighed heavily on their limbs. Every step was a struggle, but Ashley knew they couldn’t stop—not yet. Not until they were sure they were safe.

Amelia’s breathing was ragged, her face pale and streaked with tears. She hadn’t spoken a word since they left Demon’s lifeless body behind, her eyes haunted by the memory of what she had done. Ashley kept a firm grip on her sister’s hand, pulling her forward through the thick underbrush. She didn’t have the luxury of breaking down, not when they were still in danger.

But even as they pushed on, Ashley’s mind was racing. She couldn’t shake the image of Demon’s face in his final moments—the mix of sorrow, disbelief, and something softer that had made her heart clench. Despite everything, despite the blood on his hands, there had been