The air was thick with the tang of magic gone wrong, sparks crackling between us. Benny's eyes glowed an unnatural green, his face twisted in a grimace that wasn’t his own. My heart pounded in my chest as I took a step forward, ignoring the sting of the energy radiating from his clenched fists.

“Benny,” I whispered, my voice breaking. "It's me."

He didn’t flinch, didn’t blink. His hand shot up, magic swirling at his fingertips. My instincts screamed to dodge, but I stood my ground, heart racing. This wasn’t Benny—not the boy who cracked jokes during study sessions or showed up at my house with takeout when I was having a bad day.

“Benny, please,” I said louder, desperation clawing at my throat. “You’re stronger than this.”

The spell wavered, flickering like a dying flame. For a split second, his expression softened, but the green glow returned, more furious than ever.

I knew what I had to do.