FOURTEEN PART 3

"There's something I need to tell you before we proceed any further."

"What is it?"

"I saw Gabriel's cloak at the outskirts of our territory last night."

"Was Noah with you?"

"Yes. And he marked the cloak."

"He did what?" Did that mean what she suspected?

Grayson offered a half-hearted grin. "We all did. But it's crucial that you know, putting yourself at risk right now—"

"Even more reason to do it. This will make me stronger. It will make us stronger."

He remained silent, following her lead instead. It didn't take her long to locate the maze's center. It was as if she had an innate knowledge of its layout, as though it were etched into her memory.

The flower possessed a hauntingly captivating beauty, its dark and glossy appearance exuding a sense of death. As each petal gracefully unfurled, Ava found herself spellbound. The allure of the flower compelled her to reach out and touch it—no, she felt an undeniable need to touch it.

With hesitant fingers, Ava extended her hand, making con