Page 82 of The Lycan King's Secret Child

Xander: "We'll see."

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That night, Amelia couldn't sleep. She sat by the window, watching the moonlight dance across the waves. Xander joined her, sensing her unrest.

Xander: "Something's bothering you."

Amelia: "I'm worried about what Liam said today."

Xander: "About the trees whispering?"

Amelia: "Yes. What if it's a sign of something more?"

Xander: "Like what?"

Amelia: "I don't know. I just have a feeling."

He took her hand.

Xander: "Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

She leaned her head against his shoulder.

Amelia: "I hope so."

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The following day, they returned to the grove, but something felt different. The air was heavy, and an eerie silence hung over the place.

Liam: Confused "The pond is gone!"

Indeed, where the pond had been was now just a patch of dry earth.

Amelia: "How is that possible?"

Xander: "I don't know."

Liam looked around, distressed.

Liam: "I don't like it here anymore."

They decided to leave, but as they turned, a figure emerged from the shadows.

Stranger: "Leaving so soon?"

Xander stepped protectively in front of Amelia and Liam.

Xander: "Who are you?"

Stranger: "An old acquaintance."

Amelia recognized him—Elder Marcus from the Council.

Amelia: "Marcus?"

Marcus: "It's been a long time."

Xander: "What are you doing here?"

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