The night was calm, with the stars sparkling like tiny diamonds. But Cinder couldn't sleep. Ever since Jason merged with the Moonstone to save her, things had been different. She could feel him—not just in her heart, but in her mind. It was as if a thin thread connected them, invisible but strong.
At first, it felt comforting. Whenever she closed her eyes, she could hear Jason's voice, soft and warm, calling her name. "Cinder, I'm here." It was like a dream, a way to feel close to him even though he wasn't by her side.
But soon, the bond became strange. The voice started to grow louder, echoing in her head even when she was awake. And it wasn't just his voice anymore. She could feel his pain, his sadness, and his fear. It was like Jason was trapped somewhere cold and dark, and his emotions were spilling into her.
