The journey away from the sanctuary was quiet, the group subdued by the weight of what they had faced. The horses trudged through thick snow, their breaths steaming in the frigid air. Elara sat in her saddle, the crystal nestled safely in her satchel, its faint hum a constant reminder of the power she had wielded—and the danger it posed.

As the day wore on, the terrain grew harsher, the mountain paths narrowing precariously. Kael rode at the head of the group, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. Behind him, Elara couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched, though each time she looked back, she saw nothing but the barren expanse of snow and rock.

“Your Grace,” she called, urging her horse closer to his. “Do you sense it?”

Kael didn’t turn, but his grip on the reins tightened. “Yes. We’re being followed.”

A chill that had nothing to do with the cold swept over her. “Who—or what—is it?”

Kael’s jaw clenched. “I don’t know, but it’s keeping its distance for now. Whatever it is, it’s not human.”

The group pressed on, the tension thickening with each mile. When they finally made camp for the night, Kael doubled the watch, his hand never straying far from his sword.

As Elara sat by the fire, she studied the crystal, its light flickering like a heartbeat. Lyria joined her, wrapping a blanket around her shoulders.

“What are you thinking, my lady?” Lyria asked softly.

“That this crystal holds answers,” Elara replied. “But it also holds dangers I’m not sure I’m ready to face.”

Lyria’s expression softened. “You’ve faced so much already. You’ll find the strength for whatever comes next.”

Before Elara could respond, a sudden howl split the night air, sharp and unearthly. The guards sprang to their feet, weapons drawn, as Kael strode toward the edge of the camp, his silver eyes scanning the darkness.

“They’re here,” he said, his voice like steel.

Out of the shadows emerged creatures unlike any Elara had ever seen—hulking, twisted forms with glowing red eyes and claws that glinted in the firelight. Their movements were unnatural, jerky and animalistic.

Kael’s sword flashed as he took the lead, shouting orders to the guards. “Protect the camp! Elara, stay back!”

But the magic within her surged to life, refusing to be ignored. Elara stepped forward, her hands glowing with energy as she prepared to stand her ground.

Whatever these creatures were, they had been sent for a purpose—and she would not let them succeed.