Chapter 65

Naomi

The wooden boards of the seaside promenade creak under my restless steps, sending a symphony of eerie echoes into the night. God, it’s unsettling. In my hand, I’m holding a small figurine - Odette, now transformed into a solid stone by dark magic. My dark magic. I can’t help but trace the intricate dips and curves of the figurine with my fingers, feeling every detail of what I’ve done.

The salty tang of the ocean is mixing with the metallic scent of blood and the musty aroma of rain. It’s a cocktail of smells that’s making my stomach churn. Or maybe that’s just the guilt. I can’t shake off these images replaying in my mind, each time hitting me with a fresh wave of fear and guilt. It’s like a never-ending nightmare.

I keep thinking about how I used my newfound power so impulsively, and now Odette’s just... lifeless. Stone-cold, lifeless. It’s left me paralyzed with uncertainty. I mean, seriously, what was I thinking? Did I make the right choice? God, I hope so, but right now, I’