The wind screamed through the crumbling ruins, a twisted, shrill cry that echoed through the hollow shells of forgotten buildings. Ava stood at the edge of a broken city, her body trembling as the Abyss churned within her, threatening to break free. Dark clouds twisted in the sky, spiraling downward like a vortex, pulling her toward the inevitable. Her mind buzzed with the Abyss's whispers—seductive, relentless, promising power, control, freedom.
But all she felt was fear.
"Ava!" Lucas's voice pierced the darkness, sharp with panic. He stood on the outskirts of the ruins, his hand outstretched as if he could pull her back from the precipice. His heart hammered in his chest as he watched her, helpless against the storm raging within her. His presence was her anchor, her only tether to the light, but the pull of the Abyss was overwhelming. It was seductive, and it wanted her.