The abandoned village, shrouded in an eerie silence, unfolded before them like a scene from a forgotten dream. Crumbling houses, overtaken by nature's relentless march, whispered stories of a bygone era. Cinder and Zara, cloaked in the darkness of the pre-dawn hour, moved with cautious steps, their hearts pounding against their ribs.
The weight of their daring escape hung heavy in the air. With each rustle of leaves and each distant howl, Cinder imagined Volkov's enraged pursuit hot on their heels. But the fear was tempered by a flicker of hope, a hope fueled by the prospect of finding Elara, the enigmatic healer rumored to possess forgotten knowledge.
They navigated the desolate village, guided by Zara's familiarity with the layout. Finally, they reached a small, ramshackle hut nestled amongst the ruins. A faint light flickered from a single window, a beacon in the darkness. Zara placed a calming hand on Cinder's shoulder.
