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But the mark in my shoulder didn’t seem particularly impressed by either of those things.

It warmed again beneath my skin, patient as ever.

Waiting.

Like it knew something I didn’t.

Like it understood that sooner or later…

I was going to have to decide whether I ignored the pull—

Or followed it. And as the Academy lights came into view through the trees, a quiet realization followed them.

If the mark could feel the shadow stone…

Then eventually it would lead me to it.

And when it did—

I wasn’t sure what scared me more.

Finding it.

Or discovering I didn’t want to let it go.

***