Felix appeared from the shadows, his face pale but determined. "Take me," he whispered. "Let her go."
Maya's eyes filled with tears. "No, Felix. We can find another way."
Felix shook his head. "It's the only way. I won't let you suffer for my mistakes."
He stepped forward, offering himself to the entity. The air crackled with energy as the entity accepted his sacrifice, its form dissipating into the night. Felix's body crumpled to the ground, lifeless but at peace.
Maya collapsed beside her brother, her sobs echoing in the silence. Mr. Park placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's over," he said softly.
But as dawn broke, the whispers began anew, faint but unmistakable. The curse had been weakened, not destroyed. Maya knew their battle was far from over.
In the days that followed, life slowly returned to a semblance of normalcy. Maya resumed her work, though the shadow of the curse lingered. Mr. Park continued his investigation, determined to uncover the truth. The ritual had taken its toll on both of them, leaving scars that would take time to heal.
One evening, Maya received an envelope with no return address. Inside was a single photograph: the ancient tree, its branches barren and twisted. Written beneath it were the words: "The cycle continues."
Maya's resolve hardened. She would not rest until the curse was broken for good. She had faced the darkness and survived, but the fight was far from over. The entity was still out there, watching, waiting.
And Maya was ready.