The forest around us was eerily quiet, as if the world was holding its breath, waiting to see what would happen next. James was still trembling in my arms, his breaths ragged and uneven. I could feel the residual energy from the dark magic that had almost consumed him, lingering like a cold fog around us. But it was receding, and with every passing moment, I could sense James coming back to himself.
"I'm so sorry," he murmured again, his voice filled with anguish. "I tried to fight it, but I couldn't. It was too strong."
I stroked his hair gently, my heart aching for him. "It's okay, James. You're safe now. We'll figure this out together."
He shook his head, his eyes squeezing shut as if he was trying to block out the memory of what had just happened. "I could have hurt you, Aimee. I almost did. What if… what if next time I can't stop?"
