The woods are dense and whispering, a far cry from the grand, elegant halls of the palace where you first caught Apollo's eye. Here, in the shadows, the air feels alive, humming with magic and secrets. The trees stand tall and ancient, their twisted branches reaching out like skeletal hands, cloaking you and Jacks as you weave through the forest.

You glance over your shoulder, expecting to see Apollo’s golden figure closing in, but the path behind is empty. It doesn’t lessen the sense of dread clinging to you like fog, though. You know that Apollo is relentless; his patience might run thin, and the gentle charm he used to lure you in could shatter at any moment.

Jacks pulls you closer as he leads you down an almost invisible path. His grip is iron-strong, his gaze sharp as he surveys the surroundings. For a fleeting moment, his eyes meet yours, and you catch a glimpse of something—an intensity, a protectiveness you hadn’t noticed before. It’s unsettling. This is Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, infamous for betrayal and heartbreak, yet here he is, putting distance between you and Apollo.

When he finally slows, he looks over his shoulder and whispers, "You have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into with him." His words are laced with disdain, and something darker—jealousy, maybe? But Jacks isn’t one to explain himself; his actions are as cryptic as his motives.