Rubin felt a knot in his throat as he looked at Himu and Elara before turning back to the two elves. The dense forest stretched endlessly before them, its towering trees whispering in the wind like unseen watchers. Himu grimaced as he applied more pressure to his wound, his fingers slick with blood. Rubin caught the look in Elara’s eyes—determined, yet wary—as she spoke.

“Well, what do you want us to do?” she asked, adjusting her grip to keep Himu upright.

Kaelen’s smile never faltered. If anything, it grew wider, sending a chill down Rubin’s spine.

“Well,” Kaelen said smoothly, “Aeloria and I will guide you to our village. From there, we will decide your next steps.”

Aeloria shot him a look as if he had lost his mind, but Kaelen turned to her before she could argue.

“And you,” he said, his voice firm yet laced with something softer, “will return home to your father and mother the moment we arrive. Your mother has been worried sick for the third time this week.”

Aeloria opened her mouth, ready to protest, but hesitated. Something flickered in her expression—reluctance, frustration, maybe even guilt—before she simply nodded.

Rubin exhaled, gripping the hilt of his dagger tighter. The last thing they needed was more uncertainty, but they had little choice.

“Then let’s move,” he said.

The journey through the forest was treacherous. Shadows clung to the edges of their vision, and every rustling leaf made Rubin’s skin prickle. Himu’s breathing was ragged, and Elara kept whispering words of reassurance to him as they trudged forward.

Aeloria remained tense beside Kaelen, her silence weighing heavier than any words she might have spoken. The deeper they went, the more Rubin felt something watching them.

Finally, after what felt like hours, the thick trees gave way to a village hidden within the embrace of nature. Houses were built into the trees, their glowing lanterns casting an ethereal light over the settlement. The air carried the scent of fresh rain and earth, mingled with something floral and ancient.

Kaelen turned to them, his smile now more composed, more measured.

“Welcome to Elarion,” he said. “Your fates will be decided here.”

Elara and Rubin exchanged glances. This was only the beginning.