The air that night felt heavier than usual. Luna couldn't explain why, but the forest seemed more alive, more aware. Even though she told herself to stay away, her feet led her to the edge of the woods like they had a mind of their own.
She stopped near the same tree with the strange mark—the one she couldn't stop thinking about. The way it curved and twisted felt like it meant something. Maybe a warning. Maybe a message. She wasn't sure yet.
Then she felt it.
A chill ran up her spine, and her heart started beating faster. She turned slowly, her breath caught in her throat.
There he was. Standing just beyond the shadows.
Gideon.
He didn't speak. He didn't move. His eyes, glowing faintly gold, locked onto hers. They weren't scary. They weren't cold. But they were intense, like he was looking at every thought in her head.
She wanted to say something, but her lips stayed shut.
And then, just as silently as he appeared, he stepped back into the darkness. Gone. Like a ghost.
Luna stood there for a long time, trying to figure out what had just happened. But one thing was clear—this wasn't over.