Karl vanished into the night like a ghost, the faint echo of his footsteps fading into silence as the darkness consumed him. His mind churned with revelation from Gravill's journal. The Forgotten Isle. The words lingered, sparking both curiosity and determination. If Gravill had truly gone there, it meant the demi-god knew more than he was letting on. And that made him even more dangerous
Under the moonlight, Karl stopped near a hidden clearing deep within the woods. He reached into his coat, pulling out a shimmering obsidian shard a Hmatoi artifact that glowed faintly in his grasp. Whispering an incantation under his breath, he activated the shard, and a faint silver mist swirled around him.
"Report", came a voice, cold and imperious.
Karl knelt, lowering his head. "I've found a lead," he said. "The boy's journal mentioned a place— The Forgotten Isle. He's is headed there."
The mist coalesced into the faint outline of the Hematoi lord's face. His silver eyes burned with intensity, and his lips curled into a cruel smile. "Excellent, you have done well, Karl. But the boy must not reach the isle. If he uncovers what lies there, it will jeopardize everything we've planned."
Karl nodded. "I'll intercept him. He won't make it far."
The lord's voice sharpened. "Do not fail me. And remember, the boy is valuable—but only if he's alive. Kill anyone who gets in your way, but bring Gravill, to me."
The mist dissipated, leaving Karl alone once more. His fingers tightened around the shard as he slipped it back into his coat. A cold smirk played on his lips.
"I won't fail," he muttered to himself, seeing off again. The hunt was on, and Karl was determined to end it on his terms.
Meanwhile: The Alpha's Protection
The trio followed Owen deeper into the forest, the towering trees casting long shadows under the moon's pale light. Gravill leaned heavily on Elsa, his breaths labored but steady. Every step was a reminder of his weakness, his growing frustration at being unable to fight back.
Owen stopped abruptly, his sharp gaze scanning the clearing ahead. "We'll rest here," he said gruffly. His tone left no room for argument, but the tension in his voice hinted at his unease.
Elsa helped Gravill settle against a tree, her brow furrowed as she studied Owen. "You're worried," she said quietly. "What is it?"