The moon was a low, inky presence in the night sky, its ethereal light washing over the ancient forest. Aurora's heart raced as she stood at the edge of the clearing, the place where their destinies would be decided in the face of the curse that had plagued them for so long.

Damien's gaze met hers, a storm of emotions in his eyes. "Aurora," he said softly, his voice a mix of determination and fear. "We can't give up now."

Ethan's hand found hers, their fingers intertwining as he looked at her with unwavering resolve. "We do this together," he said, his words a fierce promise.

Gabriel, usually so enigmatic,...