The sun dipped below the horizon, its golden light threading through the canopy of trees. The forest seemed tranquil, yet Diana found no peace in its quiet. Twilight cast long shadows across their path, the interplay of light and dark a mirror to the turmoil within her. For a fleeting moment, she allowed herself to take in the beauty, willing her heart to find rest. But the reprieve was brief. A tug on her arm jolted her back to reality."Big sister," Darius said, his voice small and weary, "can we take a rest? I don't think Uncle Lucius and Aunt Cassandra can keep up anymore."Diana turned to her little brother, her expression softening despite the weight in her chest. His dark eyes, rimmed with exhaustion, gazed up at her, wide and pleading. His face, smudged with dirt, seemed too fragile, too young to carry the strain of their journey. His clothes, stained with mud and dust, hung loosely on his thin frame. The sight of him made her heart ache. He was so much like their mother—kind, selfless, always thinking of others before himself.Her gaze shifted to the rest of the group trailing behind them. Nine people in total, their steps heavy with fatigue. Among them were three children and two elderly neighbors, their faces etched with weariness. The middle-aged men and women who had joined them clung to hope as desperately as Diana did. Their tattered and grimy clothes bore the marks of hardship, the journey taking its toll on them all.They were heading toward Cassentis, a city-state far to the south where they hoped to find safety. Diana knew they were close—only a few more days, and they would be beyond Esquiliana's reach. It was that thought, the promise of safety, that had driven her to push the group harder over the last few days. But looking at them now, she realised that they were in desperate need of rest.She placed a hand on Darius's shoulder, her grip gentle but firm. "We can rest now," she said softly, her voice carrying a reassurance she barely felt. "Go tell the others."His face lit up with relief, and he darted off to share the news. Diana watched him go, a bittersweet smile tugging at her lips.Turning her attention back to the forest, she activated her eye technique, her vision sharpening as she scanned their surroundings. It wasn't much—just enough to sense movement within a modest radius—but it was better than relying solely on her instincts. Her father had only just begun to teach her the art of sensing mana before… everything. The thought tightened her chest, but she forced it away. Now wasn't the time to dwell.The group quickly settled into their routine, one they had practiced every night since fleeing Hepestus. No fire. No loud noises. They ate quickly, their meager rations barely enough to stave off hunger, and then huddled together in their sleeping bags for warmth and safety.But Diana didn't sleep.She sat alone, her back pressed against the rough bark of a tree, her gaze fixed on the stars peeking through the canopy. Just weeks ago, her father would tease her, calling her the shining star of their family—the prodigy who had broken into the Brown core at such a young age, destined to lead their family to greatness. Now, the stars seemed to sneer at her, their cold, distant light mocking her for daring to think she could shine among them.Her parents had poured everything they had into her. Every mana stone they could spare went toward her training, and every moment of their lives was dedicated to ensuring her future. She had been their hope, their pride. Now, they were gone, their lives lost in their final stand as the City was breached some three weeks ago. The weight of their sacrifices pressed down on her, heavier than any burden she had ever carried.The memory surged unbidden once again, and Diana clenched her fists, struggling to keep the grief from overwhelming her. Three weeks ago, the City of Hepestus—her home—had fallen. The chaos of that day was seared into her soul: the shouts of soldiers desperately rallying, the terrified screams of civilians fleeing for their lives, and the deafening clash of steel and magic as the forces of Esquiliana and Argos breached the gates.No one had expected such a swift and devastating assault. Esquiliana's treachery was ruthless, but they hadn't acted alone. Another of Hepestus's own major clans had turned traitor, aligning with the invaders and Esquiliana clan to secure their victory. The cursed stones the Esquiliana forces wielded were more then enough on their own, but together with Collina clans betreyal their power was overwhelming the city's defenders like a tidal wave. The unrelenting assault left no room for counterattacks, and the once-proud legion of Hepestus crumbled under the sheer might of their adversaries.Her father had stood at the forefront, commanding a squadron of legionaries with the authority of his Purple core. Her mother had been beside him, her Brown core strength a steadying presence amid the chaos. Together, they had been a beacon of resilience, but even their combined strength could not stem the tide.When the carnage spilled into the western district and word spread that the Colina clan had allied with Esquiliana, the defenders' morale shattered. On top of that the rumor that the City Lord had fallen sent ripples of despair through the remaining forces. It was clear then that Hepestus had no hope of holding its ground.In those final, desperate moments, Diana's parents made the ultimate sacrifice. They stayed behind, holding the line against the advancing enemy to buy precious time for the civilians to escape. The Esquiliana clan was infamous for its cruelty; anyone who had stood by the City Lord would face only death or unrelenting torment. Her parents had known this—and they had chosen to give their lives so Diana and others might live.Her father's voice echoed in her mind, steady and unwavering even in the face of the inevitable. "Diana," he had said, gripping her shoulder with an intensity that still burned in her memory, "it's not your time yet. You and Darius are our shining stars—our hope in the dark. We'll hold the line so your light can keep shining."Her mother's face, calm yet resolute, haunted her. "Keep Darius safe," she had whispered, her hands pressing Diana's trembling ones into her brother's. "He's your priority now. Promise me."The memory of those words twisted in her chest, sharp as any blade. She had been tasked with leading the evacuation, ushering panicked citizens toward the southern gates as the Esquiliana forces stormed through the streets. Her own Brown core had felt insignificant that day, her powers a flicker against the raging inferno of the invaders' assault.Her parents had bought them time. Time for her to save Darius. Time for her to save the few people she could gather. Time she had spent looking over her shoulder, hoping against hope to see them appear, alive and unscathed.But they never came.Her chest tightened, pain welling up like a storm she couldn't release. She wanted to scream, to let the anguish tear through the quiet forest, but the scream remained trapped, lodged behind the weight of her duty. Even the tears refused to come—not yet. She couldn't afford them. Not while her brother and the others still relied on her. She had promised to get them to safety, to Cassentis. Only then could she allow herself to grieve.Diana's decision had been clear from the moment they fled. Cassentis, a city-state far to the south, was their best hope for sanctuary. Once her group was secure, she would return to find the Legion—or whatever was left of it—and join their ranks. The thought of reuniting with her comrades offered a glimmer of solace, a fragile thread of redemption. Leaving her parents and the Legion behind had been a wound she carried, one that only action might mend.She wasn't certain the Legion of Hepestus still existed, but she clung to the possibility. In the chaotic first week after the city fell, she and her group had hidden in a small settlement just outside the city. Rumors had been as thick as the smoke rising from Hepestus's ruins. Some claimed the City Lord and the Legion had retreated southeast, regrouping for a counterattack. Others whispered that they had been annihilated, their remnants scattered to the winds. Diana didn't know what to believe, but in her heart, she refused to accept defeat. The Legion had to survive. It was the only way forward.Their journey south had been grueling. Avoiding the main roads meant traversing dense forests and treacherous trails, always on edge for signs of Esquiliana patrols. Supplies dwindled faster than expected, leaving them to ration what little they had. Every step was a battle of endurance, and Diana bore the heaviest burdens, both physical and emotional. At seventeen, she was still a child in many ways, yet circumstances had thrust upon her the weight of an adult's responsibilities. There was no room for hesitation, no time for fear.Sleep had become a distant memory. Her mind was a constant whirlwind of calculations and plans, her body pushed to its limits as she drove herself to keep the group moving. The thought brought her no comfort, only resolve. They needed her to stay strong. She would not falter—not now, not ever.The next morning, they rose with the dawn, the first rays of sunlight barely piercing the dense forest canopy. Diana led them southward, her senses sharpened by sleepless vigilance. The forest was unnervingly still, the muffled rustle of leaves underfoot the only sound accompanying their march.Hours passed in silence, the sun climbing higher into a pale blue sky. Then, a prickle of unease crawled up Diana's spine, sharp and insistent. She froze, her hand shooting up to signal the group to stop."Stay here," she whispered to Darius, her voice low but firm. Her little brother's wide eyes reflected fear, but he nodded, clutching the arm of an elderly neighbor for support. Diana's gaze narrowed as she activated her eye technique, her vision sharpening to detect the faint traces of mana in the trees ahead.That's when she saw them.Four figures emerged from the shadows, their movements calculated and predatory. The insignia of the Esquiliana clan adorned their armor—a phoenix rising from a blazing inferno, a burning mark that Diana would never forget. Her stomach twisted as she noticed one of the mages already looking at her, his eyes giving of the purple shine, he was a purple core, way too high of what she could handle. The others were already grinning and instigating their mana, clearly showing of that there was nother purple core among them and two brown cores.Diana's heart sank. She and her group had been found, and worse still, they were drastically outmatched."Well, well," the leader drawled, his voice thick with mockery. "What do we have here? Trash from Hepestus, fleeing south? And with a Brown core among them? How quaint.""We mean no harm," Diana said, stepping forward, her body tense as she shielded the group. "We're just travelers passing through."The leader's grin widened, a predator toying with its prey. "Travelers, huh? From Hepestus, no doubt. Which side were you on? The City Lord's faction?" He spat the words like a curse.Diana clenched her fists, her silence betraying the truth. The man's grin twisted into something cruel."Thought so," he sneered. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But loyalty to that bastard won't get you far. We'll make sure of it."She squared her shoulders, forcing her voice to steady. "We mean no trouble. Please, let us pass.""Trouble?" He chuckled darkly. "Oh no, my dear. Trouble is what you've brought by being here. You see, deserters—traitors—don't get to walk away so easily."Before Diana could react, one of the Brown-core soldiers stepped forward. He grabbed Uncle Lucius, the oldest member of the group, and shoved him violently to the ground. "You like the City Lord now?" the soldier sneered, driving a brutal kick into the man's ribs. "Filth like you doesn't deserve mercy.""Stop it!" Diana shouted, her mana surging instinctively. Dark smoke-like energy erupted from her hands, lashing out at the soldier. The strike hit his shoulder, sending him stumbling back. For a moment, hope flickered in her chest.Then the Purple-core mage moved.He was on her before she could react, his dagger glowing faintly with mana. She raised her arms to block, but his strike came with the force of a hammer. The blow sent her sprawling to the ground, her lungs burning as the air was driven from her chest.He stood over her, smirking. "Interesting mana you've got there. Shame it's wasted on trash like you. Was this the best Hepestus had to offer? Still pathetic." He pressed his boot against her head, grinding her into the dirt."Diana!" Darius's voice cracked with desperation as he tried to push past another soldier. The man backhanded him viciously, sending him sprawling to the ground. Blood poured from Darius's nose and cheek as the soldier sneered, "Little shit. Wait your turn."One of the others grabbed Emilia, a girl barely older than Darius, yanking her forward by her hair. She cried out, her voice trembling with terror. "How about we start with this one?" the soldier jeered, drawing a blade and holding it against her neck."No!" Diana screamed, struggling against the boot pinning her down. Her pleas came out broken. "Please, let them go! They're just kids. They can't even use magic!"Her words only drew laughter from the soldiers. The Purple-core mage leaned closer, pressing his boot harder into her head. "Oh, we'll let them go," he said, his voice dripping with cruelty. "Piece by piece."Diana's vision blurred, her strength waning as her body screamed in pain. But through the haze, she saw it—a figure in the distance, shrouded in the twilight. It moved with purpose, an indistinct shadow at first, before vanishing in the blink of an eye.Hope flared, desperate and fragile. Was it real? Or was her mind conjuring illusions to shield her from despair?None of the Esquiliana soldiers seemed to notice, so it must have been just an illusion, a desperate conkotion of her brain in what seemed to be final moments. Diana was completely overwhelmed by the purple core, even when fully empowering her body, she simply couldnt do anything.But then the figure reapered, almost as instantly as it vanished, yet now it was closer only few meters away from the group.There was something strange about him. His presence was otherwordly, even air seemed to become much thicker, he was commanding attention even as he remained silent. She blinked, trying to focus her vision. As her vision became a little clearer, Diana could make out more details. He was tall, his figure lean yet powerful, wrapped in a tattered cloak that seemed to absorb the light around it. His face was obscured by the hood.Finally, one of the Brown-core mages noticed him. The man spun around, his hand instinctively reaching for his sword. "Who the hell are you?" he barked, his voice laced with suspicion."Leave them," the stranger commanded, his voice simmering with a rage that sent an involuntary shiver down Diana's spine.The Brown-core mage sneered, emboldened by his companions. "Leave them? Who do you think you're talking to? You think you can just stroll in here and play the hero?"The stranger tilted his head, his gaze sweeping over the Esquiliana soldiers as though they were insects beneath his notice. "You have one chance," he said, his tone cold and dismissive. "Leave, and there will be no pain."The Purple-core mage barked a laugh, stepping away from Diana's prone form. "Do you even know who we are?" he growled, his voice brimming with disdain. "We're Esquiliana. And you—" his lip curled in a sneer, "—are either a fool or suicidal."The stranger remained motionless, his silence unsettling. Even the Purple-core mage faltered slightly, hesitation flickering in his eyes."I warned you," the stranger said softly, the edge of a grim smile visible beneath his hood.And then he vanished.No, not vanished—moved. Faster than Diana's eyes could track, he was suddenly behind the Purple-core mage who had just sneered at him. The air grew suffocating, heavy with a palpable sense of impending death. The only sound was a faint, electric hum, growing louder until it crescendoed into a sickening wet gasp.The Purple-core mage clutched at his neck, blood gushing between his fingers as he collapsed to his knees. The stranger stood beside him, his hand dripping crimson, arcs of lightning dancing across his fingers like living threads. In his open palm, something dropped—a piece of flesh that hit the ground with a grotesque thud. The man fell over, lifeless, his body twitching as residual energy crackled through him.The remaining soldiers froze, horror etched across their faces."Kill him!" the second Purple-core mage roared, mana flaring as flames burst to life around his hands. He charged forward, his blade alight with searing heat.But the stranger was already moving. Sidestepping with unnatural ease, he avoided the blow as though it were telegraphed a lifetime in advance. Lightning flared around him, faint at first, then surging with a brilliance that lit the clearing. Diana could barely process his movements—fluid, precise, devastating.The second Purple-core mage joined the fray, his fists blazing with fiery mana. He hurled a barrage of strikes at the stranger, but each blow was met with effortless evasion. In one swift motion, the stranger closed the distance, his lightning-infused fist slamming into the man's chest. The impact sent him hurtling through the air, crashing into a tree with a sickening crack. He didn't rise.The two remaining Brown-core mages exchanged frantic looks, their confidence shattered. Panic overtook them as their gazes darted to the stranger, who stood amid the chaos, unscathed and radiating lethal intent. They knew, they needed to run, as fast as their leggs could carrie them."Leaving so soon?" the stranger asked, his voice cold and venomous.One of the Brown-core mages dropped his weapon, raising his trembling hands. "Wait—please! We were just following orders—"The stranger moved in a blur. In an instant, his hand pierced through the man's chest, lightning surging in an explosive arc. The soldier let out a strangled cry before collapsing, smoke rising from his body.The last mage stumbled backward, his face pale and drenched in sweat. "No! Please! I—I was forced—"The stranger's expression darkened, his jaw tightening as the man's desperate pleas fell on deaf ears. "Forced?" he spat, his voice a crackling snarl. "Did you hesitate when you dragged these people to their knees? Did you show mercy to the children?"The man crumbled to his knees, his hands clasped in a frantic plea. "I'll do anything! Just—please!"The stranger's eyes burned with fury, the arcs of lightning around him intensifying until they seemed to warp the very air. He raised his hand, a surge of lightning cascading from his fingers in a torrent of unstoppable power. The soldier's screams echoed through the clearing, fading into silence as his body fell, charred and lifeless.The clearing grew still, the acrid scent of burnt flesh and ozone lingering in the heavy air. Lightning crackled softly around the stranger's form, illuminating him in a pale, otherworldly glow. His breathing was steady, but his gaze remained hard, unyielding.A faint whimper broke the silence. The stranger's head snapped toward the source, his piercing eyes landing on Darius and the children, who stared at him in mute terror. Their wide eyes, glistening with unshed tears, were locked on him as though he were a monster that had stepped out of their worst nightmares.Diana struggled to rise, her body trembling with exhaustion and pain. Her vision swam, but she forced herself to speak. "Who…" she croaked, her voice raw and weak. "Who are you?"The stranger turned his gaze to her, his hood falling back slightly to reveal sharp, unrelenting eyes. He held her gaze for a moment before extending a bloodied hand toward her. His voice was calm, almost eerily so, as he spoke a single word."Rifi."Diana stared at the bloodied hand extended toward her. The faint hum of residual lightning still danced around Rifi's figure, casting fleeting shadows across his face. His sharp, piercing eyes bore into hers, unreadable yet commanding.She hesitated, her body trembling from pain and exhaustion, her mind reeling from what she had just witnessed. Slowly, she reached out, her own hand shaking as she clasped his. His grip was firm but not rough, pulling her up with ease that belied the effortlessness of his movements. For a moment, she stared at him, trying to process what kind of man could wield such overwhelming power.Darius's voice broke the silence. "Big sister… is he… is he a monster?" The boy's small frame trembled as he clung to the hem of her tunic, his wide eyes darting nervously toward Rifi.Rifi turned his gaze to Darius, his expression softening just slightly. "No," he said quietly. "I'm not a monster.""But… but what you did…" Darius stammered, his voice barely a whisper. "It was so scary."Rifi crouched to the boy's level, his bloodied hands resting on his knees. His tone softened, though it retained its weight. "Sometimes scary things have to be done to protect people. To stop those who would hurt others."Darius's eyes didn't leave Rifi's, his small face torn between fear and awe. Diana placed a protective hand on her brother's shoulder, drawing him closer. She took a deep breath, forcing her voice into calmness."Forgive my brother, Darius," Diana said, her tone measured despite the storm of emotions within her. "That was… a very brutal experience for all of us." Her gaze flicked to Rifi, and she dipped her head slightly in gratitude. "I'm Diana. Thank you for saving us."Rifi stood, brushing his bloodied hands against his cloak, his expression unreadable. "You have nothing to thank me for," he said curtly. "I had my reasons.""You're… different," she said after a pause, her voice quiet yet probing. "Your eyes. When you fought, they didn't glow like ours do when we use mana. Was that even mana?"Rifi straightened, the faintest hint of irritation crossing his features. "Of course, it was mana," he replied, his tone calm but dismissive. "I simply didn't need the eye technique for someone as weak as them."Diana blinked, stunned by the sheer confidence laced in his words. "But… what are you, then? You fought like—" she hesitated, searching for the right words, "—like something beyond human."Rifi's lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smirk. "I'm no divine being, if that's what you're thinking," he said, his tone carrying a touch of dry humor. "I'm just a battlemage."The words hung in the air, and Diana felt her heart skip a beat. A battlemage. The title was not given lightly. It was reserved for those whose skill and power placed them far beyond the reach of ordinary mages—warriors who could dominate battlefields alone, shaping the tide of war with their might. And yet, here he was, speaking of it with an almost dismissive ease."Battlemages," she murmured, her voice tinged with awe. "You don't just… call yourself that. It's a title. To earn it, you have to—""Be strong," Rifi interrupted, his tone steady but heavy with meaning. "Strong enough to survive. Strong enough to make sure others don't die because you weren't."Diana flinched at the bluntness of his words, the truth of them hitting her like a blow. She had lived those very moments—fighting to be strong enough, not just for herself, but for those who relied on her. And yet, hearing it spoken aloud by this stranger, someone who wielded power far beyond her comprehension, made the burden feel heavier.Her eyes lowered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've tried," she said, her hands balling into fists at her sides. "Every step of the way, I've tried to be strong. But it's never enough, is it?"When she looked up, her gaze locked onto his, searching for… something. Understanding, maybe. Or judgment. But his expression remained unreadable, his sharp eyes seeming to pierce through her."Strength isn't about trying," Rifi said, his tone steady but laced with a quiet bitterness. "It's about surviving—surviving so you can grow stronger from it. Because it's never enough. There will always be something that tries to break you. Like I've been broken, again and again. Yet here I stand, and here you are. Your mana element holds promise. Make sure you survive—not just to fight, but to grow stronger. Trying won't save you; enduring will."Diana hesitated, absorbing Rifi's words. His demeanor was unyielding, almost cruel in its honesty, yet there was a strange wisdom in it—a hard-earned truth she couldn't ignore. She looked away, her hands clenching briefly before she released a slow breath."You're right," Diana admitted quietly, her voice steadying as the initial shock of his presence began to settle. "Surviving is all that matters now."Her response seemed to satisfy Rifi. For a moment, there was silence between them, broken only by the faint groans of the others as they began to gather themselves, their bruised and battered bodies still holding some strength. Despite their fear of him, Rifi's presence had brought a fragile sense of safety, allowing them to focus on tending to their wounds and catching their breath.Diana turned her attention back to her group, moving swiftly to direct them in setting up a small, discreet camp. The forest was still, the air thick with tension, but the immediate danger had passed. For the first time in weeks, they could afford a moment to regroup.Some of the children clung to the adults, their tear-streaked faces etched with fear. Their wide eyes flickered nervously toward Rifi, awe and terror mingling as they regarded the man who had turned their captors into ash and blood. He stood at the edge of the clearing, his back to them, scanning the surrounding trees with the stillness of an unyielding sentinel.Diana approached him cautiously, lowering herself onto the grass nearby. Exhaustion radiated from her every move, but her mind churned with questions. For a moment, she studied him—his unwavering stance, his sharp focus, and the quiet, palpable power that seemed to radiate from him."We were heading to Cassentis," she said at last, her voice hesitant. "It's the only place we thought would be safe."Rifi didn't turn, his gaze fixed on the distant tree line. "Why Cassentis?""It's far," Diana replied, forcing steadiness into her tone. "And we heard rumors that they're accepting refugees.""You're running," he said bluntly.Her jaw tightened at the accusation, stinging her pride more than she wanted to admit. "We're surviving."Finally, he turned his head slightly, just enough for her to catch the sharp edge of his gaze. "Surviving doesn't end at Cassentis," he said, his voice low but cutting. "What then?"The question struck a chord, a doubt she hadn't allowed herself to confront. Her hands clenched briefly, but she refused to look away. "Hopefully, they can live in peace," she said after a moment, her voice quiet but resolute. "But I was going to find the Legion after that. If they still exist."Rifi's piercing eyes lingered on her for a moment, his expression unreadable. "What happened to Hepestus?" he asked, his tone devoid of curiosity but weighted with something deeper. "I've heard rumors, but I want to hear it from someone who was there."Diana hesitated, the weight of memory pressing down on her chest. But there was no avoiding it. Slowly, she recounted the fall of Hepestus—the sudden breach, the Collina clan's betrayal, and the overwhelming force of the Esquiliana and Argos assault. She spoke of her parents' sacrifice and the chaos of the evacuation, her voice steady but carrying the ache of loss.Rifi listened in silence, his expression hardening as she spoke. When she finished, he nodded slightly, his gaze distant. "So you think the Legion regrouped?""They have to," Diana said, her conviction unwavering. "The City Lord wouldn't just give up. And the Suburana clan—they were loyal. If anyone knows where the Legion is, it's them."Rifi's silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken thoughts. Finally, he nodded, his voice quiet but firm. "Suburana," he repeated. "That's where I'm going next."Diana's brow furrowed slightly. "You're looking for the City Lord?""Yes," he replied simply, his tone leaving no room for elaboration. "And the Legion. I have… unfinished business."The weight of his words hung in the air, stark and unrelenting. Diana glanced back at her group. They huddled together, still shaken but alive—a fragile semblance of hope amidst the ruins of their lives. The decision was clear now. They were safer with Rifi than without him. And if he was heading to the Suburana clan, perhaps that was where they should go too. Cassentis wasn't their home; they would be strangers there, reliant on the mercy of its residents. The Suburana clan was part of Hepestus—at least there, they might find allies and safety. With Rifi among them, they had a good chance to break through any Esquiliana forces that had undoubtedly blocked off the Suburana clan."We need to rest," she said softly. "If we're to come with you, we'll need the strength."Rifi nodded curtly. "One night," he said. "Then we move. If you're coming with me, keep up."Her stomach tightened at the thought of pushing the group so soon, but she nodded nonetheless. "We'll manage."As the others settled in for the night, Diana's gaze drifted back to Rifi. He stood apart from the group, motionless at the edge of the clearing. The air around him felt heavier, a subtle but undeniable presence that hinted at the immense power he carried within. He didn't look like a savior or a soldier—just a man, cloaked in quiet strength and something far more enigmatic.Diana exhaled, steadying herself as she returned to her group. The faint whispers of the children and the subdued murmurs of the adults quieted as she approached. She knelt beside them, her voice firm yet calm. "Change of plans," she began. "We're not heading to Cassentis anymore. We'll go with him—to the Suburana clan. They're part of Hepestus. If there's any chance of finding allies, it'll be there."Her words hung in the air, met with hesitant nods and murmurs of agreement. Even Darius, still clutching his bruised arm, looked up at her with trust in his tired eyes. The idea of following Rifi, though daunting, seemed safer than venturing into the unknown alone.As the group began to settle into uneasy rest, Diana stole one last glance at Rifi. He hadn't moved, his figure still and imposing, a silent guardian against the darkened forest. There was no visible aura of power around him, no hum of magic, just the sheer presence of someone who seemed stronger then the world in Diana'eyes.She turned back to her group, the weight of their survival resting heavy on her shoulders. Whatever mysteries Rifi carried, whatever storm he had endured, they were in his shadow now. And for the first time in weeks, she felt that shadow might be enough to keep them alive.