The forest was unnervingly quiet as the group pushed forward, leaving the smoldering remains of the destroyed monolith behind. Shadows seemed to stretch unnaturally between the trees, and every sound carried an ominous echo. Mia walked close to Zoe, her hands still faintly glowing as if the energy from the fight had not fully dissipated. Selene took the lead, her movements swift and deliberate, while Ruby and Caleb flanked the group, their weapons raised and eyes sharp.
"We can't afford another ambush like that," Ruby said, her voice low but tense. "We need to stay ahead of him."
Selene glanced over her shoulder. "He'll be slower now, weakened from losing one of his conduits. But make no mistake—he'll come for us, and he won't be alone."
"Great," Finn muttered, stumbling over a root as he adjusted the weight of his pack. "Because one invincible shadow monster wasn't enough."
"Focus, Finn," Ruby snapped. "We're not out of this yet."
