SCARLET
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Scarlet," I began, trying to steady my voice. "There's something you need to know. Something I should have told you long ago."
Before my father could say more, the voice came back, interrupting my thoughts.
"There's not much time left," it said, cold and unwavering. "You only have 14 hours before the Blood Moon rises."
I clenched my fists, willing the voice to fade, but it lingered, a relentless shadow in my mind. "Shut up," I thought fiercely. "Even if I die, wouldn't that be better?"
The voice went quiet for a moment, as if caught off guard. Then it responded, its tone tinged with something close to amusement. "Ah, so you've figured it out. You can talk to me now without speaking aloud? Interesting. I didn't think you'd realize so soon."
That's when it hit me, I wasn't speaking out loud this time. All our previous conversations had been verbal.
