#Chapter 104: I Still Rememeber

Lauren The path twisted through the trees, gnarled roots jutting up like they were trying to trip us. The deeper we went, the thicker the air became—humid, damp, laced with the scent of moss and something richer beneath it, something that made my instincts bristle. The swamp was alive in a way the city never was, buzzing with unseen things, whispering with the wind through the reeds. Owen and Abigail trudged beside me, their boots sinking slightly into the damp earth. Abigail kept close, her small fingers curled around the hem of my jacket, while Owen walked behind, alert as ever. “Mom,” Abigail muttered, stretching out the word with suspicion. “Why are we suddenly seeing Grandma again? Last I checked, you called her 'the woman who ruined my childhood.'” Owen snorted, leaning back with his arms crossed. “It’s not about seeing Grandma. In case you forgot, we’re a liability now.” I shot him a look before ruffling his already messy hair. “Shush, you are nothing of the sort.” He s