Darkness

Previously

…Liam nodded, a quiet pride swelling in his chest. He looked at Maya, his best friend, his partner in courage. He knew, with a certainty that settled deep within him, that whatever darkness the future might hold, they would face it together. The locket, the rose, the fear – they were all part of the story now, chapters closed, but lessons learned. Oakhaven was healing, its people emerging from the shadows, ready to embrace the fragile, hard-won peace. The darkness had shown its face, and in doing so, it had ultimately illuminated the enduring strength of friendship, courage, and hope.