"Keep your wits about you," she murmured, her voice a hushed whisper. "We're venturing into hostile territory now."

Damien fell into step beside her, his eyes scanning the shadows with practiced vigilance. "Any sign of Varik's forces?"

Elara shook her head, her brow furrowing with unease. "Not yet, but that doesn't mean they aren't close."

A sudden crack of a twig underfoot had the entire party freezing in their tracks, ears pricked and muscles tensed. Seraphina melted from the shadows, her blade reflecting the pale moonlight as she raised it defensively.

"We're not alone," she hissed, her gaze sharp and assessing.

Elara felt her heart pound in her chest as...