[Gale's POV]
The dark mana pulsed from somewhere deep within the alley—a narrow, garbage-strewn passage between two buildings that reeked of stale urine and rotting vegetables. I stood at its mouth, my gray eyes straining to pierce the shadows beyond the reach of the festival lanterns.
Of course, I thought bitterly. Every shady thing in every village always happens in a dark alley.
I stepped inside.
And the world shattered.
Static exploded in my mind—a deafening, piercing screech that felt like needles driven into my skull. I staggered, grabbing the rough brick wall for support. The stuffed toys nearly slipped from under my arm; the cookbook nearly fell. I clenched my jaw, forcing my fingers to tighten, to hold.
Stop…
The voice came through the static—faint, fractured, desperate.
…not… ready…
The green-haired fairy's voice. Again.
