Chapter 155. The Weight of Duty

Alison’s POV

“You feel that, don’t you?” I whispered, staring out the window into the velvet black of the night. “Something’s coming.”

The trees stood eerily still, as if even the wind was too afraid to stir. The moon hung low in the sky, pregnant with crimson, its hue deepening every night as the Blood Moon drew closer. I could feel the weight of it in my bones, like gravity had decided I was worth pressing harder against.

And yet, tonight wasn’t about surrendering to fear. Tonight, we prepare.

Xander stood at the doorway of our room, arms crossed, jaw tense. He had that look in his eyes again, the one he wore when he was trying to be strong for me. That look that said he wanted to shield me from everything but knew damn well he couldn’t.

“She’ll be here soon,” he said, voice low.

Simone.

Against my better judgement she had left alone, the burden of this mission felt pressed on her abilities to find the necessary items needed.