Chapter One Hundred and Forty Four

Scarlett’s POV

My heart thumped loudly in my chest as the door burst open, breaking the room Elara and I had taken refuge in. I held Elara's hand tighter, making my knuckles turn white. The screams outside grew louder, drowning out my thoughts.

In the dimly lit room, the elders' faces showed fear and disbelief. We had huddled together for comfort and answers, but now we were frozen in fear, staring at the threatening figures that had barged in.

My breath caught as I saw the leader of the menacing group step forward. It was Michael, the same Michael who had just deceived us. He had always been mysterious, but now he looked twisted and evil. His once-familiar face was filled with malevolence, and his eyes were no longer warm brown but bloodshot and hungry.

The other men with him were just as horrifying, with distorted bodies, coarse fur, and bloody claws. It was a nightmarish scene, and I had to hold back a gasp.

I whispered, "Michael, what have you done?" My voice shook with fear and d