Chapter 39

A wry smile played on his lips, and he took a step closer, the air crackling with otherworldly energy. "I wanted to ensure your safety, Scarlet, to see with my own eyes that you returned unharmed."

"I... I appreciate your concern," I replied cautiously, my voice tinged with a hint of unease. "But how did you know where to find me? And what happened with Mark?"

"Mark has been influenced, guided by my hand, to change his ways. The darkness that once consumed him has been quelled, at least for now, but my influence can only go so far. I have to check on him from time to time to ensure he wouldn’t harm my food,” he said and his words sent a chill down my spine.

As I lay in bed, my mind was buzzing with the events of the night until exhaustion finally caught up with me. The soft comfort of my sleeping quarter embraced me and coaxed me into a state of tranquility.

As I closed my eyes, I allowed the weight of the day to settle upon