The world around her began to fade. Not gently, but violently. As if she was being yanked out of reality. Her breath caught in her throat.
Suddenly, she wasn't in the room anymore.
She was somewhere else—someplace ancient. A circular room decorated like a shrine, lit by a thousand flickering candles that made shadows dance on blood-streaked walls. The air was thick with the scent of herbs, burnt offerings, and blood. It clung to her tongue and stung her nose.
In the center of the room was a bowl. Bone white. It pulsed with the same dark magic she'd been fighting. Ava took a step forward, drawn against her will.
Ava saw him—the man. His face emerged from the shadows, carved into an expression that was all hunger and hatred.
"I finally found you," he said. "I'm coming for you. You cannot hide anymore."
