Chapter 12: The Shadow’s Edge
As the night deepened, the atmosphere in the cabin grew thick with tension and unspoken fears. Tristan stood before the canvas, the vibrant colors of his creation swirling in chaotic harmony, a reflection of both his inner turmoil and the bond he was forging with Leon. Yet, the glimpse of the shadowy figure outside haunted him, a stark reminder that they were not just battling their own demons but also something far more sinister lurking just beyond the light. “Let’s focus on the art,” Leon said, his voice a steady anchor amidst the rising storm of anxiety. “We can’t let fear distract us from what we’re creating together.” Tristan nodded, though the unease coiled tightly in his chest. He dipped his brush into a fiery orange, allowing the color to flow onto the canvas, its brightness contrasting sharply against the darker tones. With each stroke, he felt a surge of energy, the paint transforming into a dance of fire and shadow, a representation of the duality that lay within him. ...