The group raced through the dense forest, the branches and underbrush whipping at their faces and limbs as they ran. The light from the orb had bought them a brief reprieve, but Aran could feel the dark presence still following, creeping closer with each passing moment. The mist had been beaten back, but it was only a matter of time before it regrouped. They had to keep moving.
"We can't outrun them forever!" Edward called out, his voice strained from both the running and the immense effort it had taken to amplify the orb's power.
"We don't have to outrun them," Lyssa shot back, her tone clipped as she navigated the uneven terrain. "We just need to find a place where they can't reach us."
Aran's mind raced for options. The Heartstone had been a focal point for the dark magic, but now that they were away from it, they were still being hunted. The herald had warned that ancient forces would come for them, and it seemed those forces had already sent their vanguard.
"There's a river ahead," Seraphina shouted, her voice carrying over the sound of their hurried footsteps. "If we can cross it, we might be able to lose them."
"Let's hope they don't swim," Edward muttered under his breath, though his eyes were filled with determination.
The trees began to thin as the sound of rushing water grew louder. In the distance, Aran could see the shimmering surface of the river, its currents swift and strong. It was wide, at least thirty feet across, and the water looked icy and unwelcoming, but it was their best chance.
"Get ready to swim!" Aran ordered, his voice strained as his breath came in short gasps. He glanced at the others to make sure they were prepared. Lyssa was already ahead, her blades sheathed as she sprinted toward the bank. Seraphina followed closely, her sword still gripped tightly, but her eyes scanning their surroundings for any sign of attack.
They reached the riverbank, the cold air from the water hitting them like a wall. Lyssa didn't hesitate; she leapt into the water with a splash, disappearing beneath the surface for a moment before resurfacing and striking out for the far side. Seraphina followed without a word, diving into the water with graceful precision.
Edward hesitated, his face pale. "I'm not the best swimmer…"
"You'll be fine," Aran said firmly, pushing him toward the edge. "We'll make sure you get across."
With a deep breath, Edward jumped in, his arms flailing slightly before he managed to find his rhythm. Aran followed immediately, the shock of the icy water momentarily stealing his breath. The current was strong, and it took all of his strength to fight against it. He swam with powerful strokes, focusing on nothing but reaching the other side.
The river pulled at him, trying to drag him downstream, but he pushed harder, his arms and legs burning from the effort. As he neared the far bank, he glanced over his shoulder and saw Edward struggling to keep his head above water. Without a second thought, Aran swam back toward him, grabbing the mage by the arm and pulling him along.
"Don't stop," Aran grunted, his muscles straining as he fought the current with Edward in tow.
"I'm trying!" Edward gasped, his face pale from the cold and exertion.
Together, they made their way to the far side, their hands finally gripping the muddy bank. Lyssa and Seraphina were already out of the water, pulling themselves up onto the grassy shore. Aran heaved Edward up before dragging himself onto the land, collapsing on the ground for a brief moment as he caught his breath.
"We made it," Lyssa said, though there was no triumph in her voice—only grim determination. She was already scanning the trees on the opposite bank, her blades drawn once more.
Aran sat up, his clothes soaked and clinging to his skin. He looked back across the river and saw the mist swirling along the edge of the water. The shadowy figures that had been pursuing them lingered on the far side, their glowing red eyes watching, waiting. The river had halted their advance, for now, but the dark presence was still there—relentless and patient.
"They're not crossing," Seraphina observed, her sword at the ready. "But that doesn't mean they'll give up."
"They won't," Aran agreed, wiping water from his face. "They're waiting for something. Maybe reinforcements, maybe just for us to make a mistake."
Edward sat up, shivering violently as he tried to shake the water from his robes. "This… this isn't sustainable. We can't keep running like this, Aran. Eventually, we're going to hit a wall."
Aran nodded grimly. He knew Edward was right. The dark magic that had been unleashed when they disturbed the Heartstone wasn't something they could fight head-on, not yet. They needed time to regroup, to figure out a way to push back against the ancient forces that were now targeting them.
"We need shelter," Aran said, getting to his feet. "Somewhere we can plan our next move without being hunted like animals."
"There's an old watchtower not far from here," Lyssa said, pointing toward the northeast. "It's abandoned now, but it's sturdy and well-hidden. We can rest there and figure out our next steps."
Aran nodded. "Lead the way."
They moved quickly, though exhaustion clung to every step. The forest on this side of the river was quieter, less ominous, but the looming threat of pursuit hung over them like a dark cloud. The ancient ones, the herald, the shadowy wraiths—Aran knew that whatever they had faced so far was just the beginning.
After what felt like hours, they reached the watchtower. It was a crumbling structure, its stone walls weathered by time and neglect, but it still stood tall against the night sky. The entrance was hidden behind a wall of vines and thick underbrush, making it nearly invisible from a distance.
Lyssa pulled aside the foliage, revealing the narrow doorway. "In here," she said, stepping inside first.
The interior of the tower was dark and cold, but dry. The ground floor was mostly intact, though debris littered the floor and the stone staircase leading to the upper levels was crumbling in places. It wasn't much, but it would do.
Edward immediately set to work casting wards around the perimeter, ensuring they wouldn't be taken by surprise. Seraphina checked the structure, making sure it was secure, while Lyssa took up position near the entrance, keeping watch.
Aran sat down near the center of the room, pulling the orb from his pack. It was still dull, its power drained after the desperate flight from the mist, but he could feel something stirring within it—like a faint heartbeat, waiting to come alive once more.
"We've got time," Lyssa said quietly, standing over him. "Not much, but enough to rest."
Aran nodded, his eyes lingering on the orb. "And enough to figure out what comes next."
For the first time since they had escaped the Heartstone's cavern, Aran allowed himself a moment of hope. They had survived this far. Now, they just had to survive what came next.