Chad Michaels's Arc

Chapter 7 of 9

Chad stays near the bench long after Adam leaves with the journal. His strength barely returns even after hours pass. He stares at the stone wolf and the empty page where he proved he existed. Writing those words cost more than he expected. But Adam knows now. Adam will come back. When Chad opens the journal again days later, he finds new words beneath his own message. Not Adam's handwriting. The ink glows blue and gold, forming letters that pulse with their own light. *I can bring you back. The pond outside the witch's hut holds what you need. But the price is Adam's choice alone.* Chad reads the message three times. His hands shake as he turns the page and finds a map drawn in the same glowing ink. It shows a building surrounded by orange flowers and a pond that radiates pink and blue light. Someone is offering him exactly what he wants. Someone knows he exists and what he needs most. Chad closes the journal and stands. The message gives him a location and a promise of resurrection. But it also says the price belongs to Adam, not him. He thinks about Adam clutching the journal and crying. He thinks about the trap with the tombstone and the vials. Someone planned all of this. Someone wants Adam to make a choice. Chad picks up the journal and looks at the glowing map one more time. He has to find this place before Adam does. He has to know what the price is. Because if returning to life means putting Adam in danger again, Chad will burn the journal himself.