The air was thick with humidity, and the ground beneath Ashley's boots squelched with every step. She stood at the base of a hill, staring into the dense forest that stretched out before her. A mixture of frustration and disbelief flickered in her eyes. "He's insane if he thinks this is going to work," she muttered under her breath, her voice barely audible above the soft rustling of leaves in the wind.
Noelle had somehow convinced David to let them take part in the fight against the mysterious monster lurking in the dungeon. It wasn't just about David's strength—his strength, which was unmatched by anyone in their generation—but the deep pride that came with carrying the De Gor bloodline. Noelle wasn't even a noble of the house, not tied by blood to any branch of De Gor, yet she showed more backbone than most nobles ever would. She had a fire in her that was undeniable, one that Ashley had come to respect.
