NOT SO NORMAL II

Penelope's heart still raced as they left Helen's coven, the oppressive atmosphere lingering in the back of her mind like a shadow she couldn't shake. The ritual, the night lurkers, and Helen's dark revelation haunted her thoughts, but at least for now, she was back at Alexander's side, away from that dreadful place. The forest around them was calm, the night's cool air wrapping around her like a familiar blanket, though the tension between them still simmered, unspoken.

Alexander walked beside her, his hand brushing hers from time to time, a steady reminder of his presence. His silence was different tonight—he was brooding, his jaw clenched, and his eyes fixed straight ahead. Penelope wasn't sure if it was Helen's words still gnawing at him or if there was something else beneath the surface. She glanced at him, wondering if she should say something, but before she could muster the words, he stopped suddenly, turning to her with a soft but intense look.