Their departure from the barrier left no trace of their presence behind, and Esme was speechless when they suddenly walked through an imperceptible veil and emerged onto a winding forest path, surrounded by tall, ancient, sentinel trees. The sudden transition was akin to being whisked away to Illyria like a portal.
It immediately dawned on her that this was how they've continued to stay hidden, a barrier that can't be seen.
Donovan rode ahead, his warhorse a majestic, ebony silhouette that moved with a silent grace, its hooves barely disturbing the rustling leaves beneath. Despite the blindfold that shrouded his eyes, his awareness of their surroundings was unyielding.
Esme could only surmise that he had traversed this forest countless times, his familiarity with the route already etched into his very being.
