Chapter 73. Nightweaver

VESTA

I found myself back in that ancient forest, nestled beneath the towering canopy of gnarled trees. The mystical yet eerily haunting aura of the surroundings enveloped me, wrapping around me like a deceptive warm blanket despite the biting cold wind that whispered through the leaves.

Unlike the last time I had mysteriously wandered into this shadowed sanctuary, I felt a profound sense of comfort this time. Strangely, it seemed as though I truly belonged here, immersed in the darkness that had always called to a part of me.

“I know you are here!” I yelled into the twilight, my voice echoing through the dense woods. This time, I felt no trace of the intimidation that had once gripped me. “Come out! Step out and face me,” I demanded, striving to sound as threatening as possible. I hadn’t felt this resolute since my last encounter with that enigmatic woman on my journey north.

Since she had spoken of my destiny, an emptiness had begun to gnaw at me—a void tha