Chapter 119

*Lyra*

The air was electric with tension as we approached the spot Tessa had led us to. Her mark glowed faintly against the pale skin of her wrist, its eerie light casting shadows on the forest floor. My heart pounded as I clutched Rowan’s hand, every step toward the destination bringing a heavier weight of anticipation.

“This is it,” Tessa announced, her voice uncharacteristically subdued. She st