Chapter 130

Author Alpha Xavier ’s hand snapped over Luna Dora’s mouth like a strike of lightning, halting the cry she hadn’t even finished forming. With a firm grip on her shoulder, he yanked her behind a massive oak tree, shrouded in the orchard’s growing twilight. Closer to the pond, Cici’s bone-chilling scream rent the evening air, stealing every shred of attention from Cecilia and her group. Not a single soul looked their way.No one noticed the growing tremble in Luna Dora ’s knees—or the figures quietly shadowing the back of the farmhouse. “Help me—someone help me!” Cici’s voice cracked against the wind. Her desperation peeled like dead bark in the cool dusk. Only when the metallic flash of the blade arced toward her did reality crush through Cici’s delusion of safety. Her legs twitched—attempted flight—but Nicole’s grip was iron. With a hiss of silver slicing through air, the knife sank deep into Cici’s shoulder. Agony seared through her. She screamed— not dignified—but full-throated. Nicol