Jasmin's POV
Why do I keep returning to this cursed place?
The question tormented me as I found myself standing among ancient stone ruins once more, bitter wind cutting through the broken archways like knives. Moonlight spilled across the collapsed walls, casting everything in an eerie silver glow.
And there he was.
The rogue.
Positioned in the center of the clearing, kneeling beneath that swollen, malevolent moon. His lips moved in rhythmic chanting, words in some forbidden tongue that made my skin crawl. I wanted to flee, to scream, but the atmosphere pressed against me like thick water, suffocating and heavy.
Without warning, his head jerked in my direction.
Those crimson eyes found mine and held them captive.
Utterly motionless. Predatory.
Ice flooded my veins.
My eyes flew open with a choked cry, my body thrashing against sheets soaked in cold sweat. The fabric clung to my damp skin as I fought to orient myself in the darkness.
