Ashley's father shot up from his chair, the sound of it scraping against the floor sharp and jarring. "You hold it right there, young lady!" He barked, his voice thunderous. Ashley paused just at the doorway, her back to him, shoulders tense but unmoved. He stepped out from behind the desk, fury igniting his features. "How dare you say that about her? That woman raised you. She loved you." Ashley slowly turned to face him, her eyes dark and hollow. "Loved me? The same woman who locked me in my room for hours if I so much as rolled my eyes? The one who made sure I knew every single day that I wasn't hers? Who smiled in front of you and spit venom the second you left?" She scoffed. "You're exaggerating..." "No, I'm not. You just never saw it because you didn't want to." Her voice cracked slightly. "And even when I tried to tell you, you made me feel like I was crazy. Like I imagined it all." "You think I don't have enough going on already?" he snapped, anger masking a brief

Meanwhile, James, Shawn, Silver and Rachael were running through the Hollow Forest, the air thick with tension. They decided to split, James and Shawn went together while Silver and Rachael were left. Even if Rachael wasn't powerful, she couldn't stay home since she was already involved. Silver couldn't wait anymore, but deep down he felt Luca would show up, besides he felt the need to protect Rachael. But until he does, he can't just sit idle and do nothing. “We have to get back to Elara and the rest!” Rachael shouted, dodging twisted roots and low-hanging branches. “Who the hell is Elara?” he asked, his voice sharp. Before Racheal could answer, the forest fractured like a shattering mirror, and that threw Silver far off away from there, like 3 leagues away from there into the deepest part of the forest. A deafening crack split the sky. The very air tore open, forming a gaping rift above them. Shadow poured from it like living ink, spiraling into the Hollow. And the

George and Ashley had studied a lot. Surprisingly, he was really good at explaining things clearly, patiently, and somehow always knowing the parts she struggled with. Ashley hadn't been paying much attention in class lately, and a few topics had flown over her head. But George made it easier, she found herself quietly impressed. For a loner, he was unexpectedly kind… and actually a good teacher. She almost wanted to say something to him, maybe even thank him. But then his phone began buzzing, he glanced at the screen and gave a small smile. "Oh, it's my mom."Ashley stayed quiet, listening as he answered. "Aren't you coming home soon? It's almost time for dinner." Agnes asked. "Sorry Mom, I'm studying late." George replied casually. "You do know you don't have to study that hard to ace that test, right?" She teased. "Mom, please." He said smoothly. "I told you I was working on a project, I'm preparing for it too. So, I need to study." "Okay." She sighed. "