As I sat by the fire, the flames casting long, flickering shadows across the room, I couldn't stop my mind from racing. Every time I closed my eyes, the darkness pressed in, and with it, the curse. It was always there, lurking in the corners of my mind, waiting for the right moment to strike. And lately, it felt like I was losing control, like it was seeping deeper into me with every passing day.
Aimee was sitting beside me, her warmth a comforting presence in the otherwise cold room. I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye, watching the way the firelight danced across her face. She looked worried, her brows slightly furrowed as she stared into the flames, lost in thought. I knew she was scared for me, but I didn't know how to reassure her. How could I, when I wasn't even sure if I could protect her from what was coming?
