The forest had never felt so still. And yet, every leaf, every tree, seemed to vibrate with pressure, as if the world itself was holding its breath.
Karro stood at the center of it all, silent, his presence alone warping the air. Blood shimmered around him like liquid mist, rising in coils from the ground like smoke. The magic pulsing from him was ancient and thick, and every part of Aiden's body knew: they were facing a monster.
Aiden could barely keep upright.
His bones ached.
His left arm hung limply, fractured from the fall he hadn't even recovered from. His ribs were cracked. Every breath felt like fire. He wiped blood from his lip, but more replaced it instantly. Still, he kept his eyes on Karro.
Beside him, Emmeranne was no better. Her skin was pale, and her sword arm trembled with the effort of just holding the weapon. Her breathing was shallow, wheezing slightly. The fatigue in her body was already visible in her steps, but her eyes stayed locked on Karro.
