The three ran as fast as they could, the howls behind them growing louder, each thudding footstep shaking the ground beneath them. Rubin held onto Himu tightly, guiding him through the dense forest, while Himu clutched his side, his wound a fresh source of pain. Ahead of them, Elara sprinted—surprisingly fast for someone in heels and a dress.

Hours passed before they finally managed to shake their pursuers. They crouched behind the crumbling ruins of an ancient battle, their chests rising and falling in exhaustion. The growls and pounding footsteps faded into the distance.

“Are they gone?” Himu panted, collapsing against a moss-covered stone. He winced as his hand pressed against his side. Blood seeped through the bandages—his wound had reopened during the chase.

Rubin cursed under his breath. “Oh, for the love of—how did you manage to do that?”

Elara, who had been scanning their surroundings, whipped her head around. “He did what?”

Her voice was sharp with irritation, and her expression darkened when she saw the fresh blood soaking through Himu’s clothing.

“It wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t forced me to run while I was still healing,” Himu muttered, gritting his teeth as Rubin knelt beside him, unwrapping fresh bandages he had taken from the cabin.

Rubin worked quickly, securing the wound. “There. But we need to keep moving. If we stay here too long, they’ll pick up our scent again.”

He stood, already walking ahead. Elara sighed, then reached down to help Himu to his feet. He leaned on her slightly, and together they followed Rubin deeper into the unknown.

They walked for what felt like days. Every step was a test of endurance, exhaustion clinging to their limbs. Just as Himu was about to collapse, an arrow struck the ground in front of them.

Instantly, Rubin and Elara tensed, hands reaching for their weapons.

A voice echoed from above. “Who are you?”

A girl dropped from the trees, landing gracefully before them. She retrieved the arrow with a practiced ease before straightening to examine them. Rubin took in her appearance—white hair, striking blue eyes, and intricate white markings tracing her face and limbs. Her gaze shifted to Himu, lingering on his wound.

“Is he alright?” she asked, her tone less hostile than expected.

Rubin hesitated before replying, “For now.”

“I’m Rubin,” he added after a moment.

“Elara,” Elara followed, her stance still wary.

“Himu,” came the weak reply.

The girl’s sharp eyes narrowed. “Why are you trespassing on Elarindorian land?”

Rubin stiffened. “We’re on Elarindorian land?”

“What’s Elarindorian?” Himu asked, his exhaustion making him slower to process the situation.

Elara’s gaze flickered between them before she muttered, “The land of the elves.”

Rubin glanced around, finally noticing the stark contrast from the forests of Drakos. Here, the world was vibrant—lush greenery, glowing flora, and an energy that pulsed with life. It was nothing like the dark, dying forests he had known back home.

Then, from the shadows, a new voice emerged.

“Princess Aeloria, your father has forbidden you from being near the border.”

A figure stepped forward, eyes filled with disdain as he looked at the three outsiders. “And now, I see why.”