Chapter 152

Grayson’s POV

I had always seen myself on top. In the world of power, I was untouchable. Every towering building conjured an image of myself at the summit, looking down, knowing I was in control.

But lately? Lately, things had changed. I no longer felt untouchable. It wasn't simply about being superior; it was about survival. I felt far lower than I should be. I wasn't at ground level with ordinary people, but in this moment, I felt more like one of them than ever before.

Deep down, I knew I had to reclaim my position at the top. To regain my footing and the power slipping away. But the first step was escaping this mess.

I’d made a mistake assigning Carter to this, but once we were free, I would tell him to stop searching for my mate and find another way to end this dreadful curse. Ava was right; no more back-and-forth, this constant tug-of-war was exhausting. It was time to end it.

I was Grayson Blackwood, and I would fix everything, having the woman I wanted by my side afterward. The world just needed to remember what that name meant. But I wouldn't tell Ava the truth—not yet. I wouldn't risk creating cracks in our newfound stability. From now on, we would only move forward; she and I were firmly committed.

“Look, it’s like they stopped moving,” Ava’s voice broke through my thoughts. I turned to see her scanning the surroundings, the oversized hunter's shirt hanging loosely on her. It was unflattering, yet she still looked beautiful.

She’d broken through every wall I’d built. As she stood there, with flushed cheeks and wide, swirling eyes, I felt something unfamiliar stir within me. My gaze lingered, studying her as if she were the only thing that mattered in this strange place.

A blush spread across her cheeks as she shifted uncomfortably. “Stop looking at me like that,” she mumbled, looking around, trying to escape my gaze. “Wait, no. I was wrong; they just moved again.”

I blinked, refocusing on the surrounding trees. An unsettling stillness hung in the air, as if we were intruders. But I wouldn't let that show. Ava didn't need to see more cracks in my armor.

“Do you have any idea how we got here?” she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

I stepped closer, trying to control my thoughts. “No. No idea. I don’t even know where ‘here’ is.” The reality was hitting harder, but I kept my tone even, concealing my unease.

Ava’s eyes scanned the area, then froze. Her eyes widened. “Wait,” she murmured. “It’s still night. You—,” she turned to me, her brow furrowing. “—told me I was unconscious for a very long time. So why is it still night?”

I hadn’t considered that. She was right. It was still dark. There should have been daylight by now, given the time since she’d been knocked unconscious.

Chapter 153 (Presumably - the original text has 159 but the content suggests a continuation of 152)

“Time’s moving differently here,” I muttered, more to myself than to her. “Whatever’s going on, it’s not normal. Nothing about this is normal.”

She looked up at the sky, her expression changing as she observed the unnatural stillness of the night. “And why is the night so bright? And why do the stars look like that? And why is it so… I don’t even know,” she trailed off, the question seemingly unanswered even to herself.

I watched her closely as she stared into the darkness, as if waiting for a change.

“I should probably stop talking,” she added after a moment, shaking her head with a half-hearted laugh. “I’m just rambling now.”

“Maybe,” I said, my voice softer than intended. “But I’m listening.”

Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, there was a flicker of something between us, but I couldn't dwell on it. We were still trapped, and whatever was happening wasn't over.

A rustling sound made me tense, scanning for threats. I instinctively moved closer to Ava, keeping my voice low. “Stay alert.”

When nothing appeared, the tension eased. Ava’s gaze returned to the sky, her posture more relaxed.

“Are you sure we shouldn’t make weapons to defend ourselves?” she asked quietly, worry creeping into her voice.

I felt that familiar urge to protect her. I didn’t care if it made me vulnerable; it felt right. I wouldn't let anything happen to her.

“We are getting out of here, I promise you.”

She looked at me, her lips parting, but the words never came. She nodded, her shoulders relaxing as she took a small step closer. Her trust, however small, made a difference.

Suddenly, the night sky shifted. The stars twinkled in strange patterns, and the trees groaned, as if the forest were alive. Ava stiffened, and I turned to her.

“What’s happening?” she whispered.

Before I could answer, the ground trembled, a deep rumble echoing through the woods.

“We’re not alone,” I muttered, bracing myself. “Get ready. Whatever’s coming, it’s not going to be friendly.”