The forest stretched before them, a dense labyrinth of trees and shadows, as Ciara led her family away from the lost city. The weight of their departure lingered, but she pushed forward, her senses alert to every shift in the air, every crack of a branch underfoot. Her hand instinctively reached for Fidel's as they navigated the underbrush, both of them aware that they were now fully exposed beyond the city's protective wards.
Ethan and Emery followed close behind, their faces showing a mixture of exhaustion and silent wonder at the darkened forest around them. Mother Agar, despite her age, moved with swift grace, her gaze darting around as if she could feel the presence of the scouts just as acutely as Ciara could.
