Chapter 60. Let My Blood Drip

ASTRID

As Magnus's words replayed in my mind, I stormed out of the clearing. He did something with Clara. The thought gnawed at my insides, filling me with a pain so deep it threatened to consume me. I could barely breathe, my chest tightening with every step I took. Even if it was a joke, the image of Magnus with another woman was too much to bear. I had believed him, trusted him, and now, doubt clawed at my heart.

"Astrid, wait!" Magnus's voice echoed down the forest. But I didn't stop. I couldn't. I didn't want him to see how much his words had shattered me. The tears I had been holding back threatened to spill over as my vision blurred.

His footsteps grew louder behind me, quickening as he tried to catch up. “Astrid, please, stop.”

But I kept walking, refusing to give in to the desperation in his voice. I couldn’t face him, not when every ounce of me was breaking apart.

“Astrid!” His hand closed around my wrist, pulling me