Page 86 of Claimed By Fur and Fangs

“We have to continue on foot,” Fergus said.

We all got out of our vehicles and then the vampires behind us began acting strangely, their pace faltering, eyes darting nervously. One by one, they started complaining.

“My throat,” one of them muttered, his voice strained. “It’s burning.”

“What the hell is this?” another one groaned, clutching his throat in distress.

Even Fergus seemed affected. His face was contorted with pain as he slowed his pace, hand pressed to his throat.

“It’s unbearable,” Fergus said.

Amelia and I were unaffected, our steps steady as we continued. I glanced at her, a silent question passing between us.

“But … we’re fine,” she whispered, though I could tell her nerves were only growing.

A voice, deep and commanding, boomed through the forest.

“Only Aidan and Amelia may continue,” it said, the authority in its tone undeniable. “Anyone who follows them will die.”

The vampires froze, their pain escalating, but they hesitated, retreating slowly, leaving us alone in the forest.

Amelia looked at me, her eyes wide with uncertainty.

“Aidan, what is this?” she whispered.

I shook my head, not knowing how to answer. But I knew one thing: the witch wanted us, and only us, to continue. So, we walked on, our path narrowing, the trees closing in around us.

“Now I am getting scared…” Amelia whispered.

“You don’t have to be, I’m with you and I won’t let anything happen to you, just walk beside me and don’t let anything distract you. The witch might want to test us.”

We walked for hours, the forest silent around us, until we reached a small hut with no door, just an open space, an invitation or a warning.

“Enter, but do not be afraid. The time has come,” The voice returned.

I gave Amelia a reassuring look before stepping inside. The hut closed around us, its dark interior illuminated by a soft fire. An old woman appeared, her eyes sharp despite her age, gesturing to the seats in front of her.

“Sit,” she commanded, her voice soothing yet demanding.

We sat, the weight of the moment heavy. An ancient presence hung in the air. Leaning forward, I spoke with steady curiosity.

“Do you remember me?”

She smiled, a slow, knowing smile that sent a chill through me.

“How could I forget? You are the one linked to both the cursed one and the chosen one.” Her eyes flickered between Amelia and me, her gaze lingering on our connected fates.

I straightened, my voice steady despite the weight of the moment pressing down on me.

"We’ve come for answers," I said, meeting the old woman’s sharp gaze.

The old woman’s smile faded as she studied Amelia, her gaze intense, searching for something beyond the surface.

"You seek answers about her reincarnation," the woman murmured, her voice soft but carrying an undercurrent of ancient power. "And about Alma... the past that’s been reborn through her. It is not as simple as you think."

Amelia shifted beside me, her hand trembling slightly as she gripped mine.

"Please," Amelia’s voice broke through the silence, filled with quiet desperation. "I need to know what happened to Alma... why I was chosen to be her. Why is her soul in me, and what that means for everything we’re facing. Is it fate? Or something darker?"

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