The fort was still, a quiet that was almost unnerving after the chaos of the battle. The remnants of the fight were scattered around us broken weapons, splintered wood, and the lingering scent of demonic energy that clung to the air like a foul mist.
My body ached with every movement, a constant reminder of the injuries I had sustained, but I was alive. We both were, and that was enough to keep me moving.
Nathaniel was beside me, his presence steady and reassuring. He had been keeping a close watch on me since I'd been injured, his usual playful demeanor replaced by a seriousness that made me feel safe, protected.
As the hours passed, we heard the sound of footsteps approaching the fort. They were careful, deliberate, and I felt my body tense in response.
