Chapter 78 Shadows On The Path

• The view from the balcony sweeps out before me, autumn sunlight painting the familiar path in shades of gold and amber. I lean against the railing, my eyes tracing the trail I used to walk almost daily. Strange how you don’t realize how much you miss something until it’s taken from you—until the very thought of it fills you with equal parts longing and dread.
• I close my eyes, feeling the crisp breeze against my face, but all I can see is Tavin falling, blood blooming across his chest.
• He’s alive. That’s all that matters.