Heron’s POV.

I was jolted from my sleep by the sound of voices, so loud and clear that I thought they were right outside my window. I pulled myself from my bed and hurried to the window, pulling back the curtains and peering out into the night. But I saw no one.

The voices continued, echoing in the darkness, growing louder and more insistent. I could no longer stand it. I opened the window, letting the cold night air rush in. The voices seemed to come from everywhere, swirling around me, and filling my head. I had to find their source.

As I stood on the edge of the woods,...