Kiara's Point of View
The forest, once alive with whispers of nature, had fallen silent, as though it too was holding its breath. The tension was unbearable, every fiber of my being screaming to run, but my feet stayed rooted. Lucius held my hand tightly, his grip a lifeline amidst the chaos.
"Gideon," Lucius's voice was steady, but there was an edge of pleading to it. "You don't want to do this."
Gideon raised his hand, his darkened features twisting into an expression of mockery. "Why wouldn't I? Why shouldn't I?" His voice carried the weight of bitterness, each word laced with venom.
Lucius's face tightened, his usual composure slipping. "How did you become this?"
Gideon tilted his head, his smirk deepening. "I became this the day I brought my wife back."
