The air was still as Amanda and her companions prepared to leave the grove.
The early morning light filtered through the dense canopy above, painting the ground in shifting patches of gold and green.
Fenris stretched, his wounds from the previous battle now mere scars thanks to his remarkable regeneration. He prowled ahead of the group, his keen senses scanning the forest for danger.
Eryndor adjusted his newly acquired gear, but his movements were still somewhat awkward. The weight of his transformation into a demon was evident in how his once-graceful elven demeanour now carried a raw, untamed edge. His crimson-tinged eyes betrayed a hunger he was still learning to control. Elves are usually arrogant and noble-like, well not only elves but almost all long-lived species, such as vampires and dragons.
Amanda, however, moved with purpose. Her dagger was tucked securely at her side, and the faint aura of her demonic energy made the air around her feel heavy. She glanced back at Eryndor, her tone curt. "Stay close. We can't afford to be separated again".
"Yes, Master," Eryndor replied, his voice steady but tinged with reverence.
Fenris let out a low growl, his ears twitching. Amanda froze, her hand instinctively reaching for her dagger. "What is it?"
The wolf didn't answer, but his body lowered, muscles coiled as if ready to pounce. Amanda followed his gaze, her sharp eyes catching movement in the distance.
Eryndor stepped closer, his hand crackling with faint magic as he prepared a spell. "Do you sense it too?"
Amanda nodded, her crimson eyes narrowing. "We're being watched".
The trio moved cautiously, their senses on high alert. The forest was too quiet—no birds, no rustling leaves, only the faint sound of their breaths and the occasional snap of a twig underfoot.
Then, a shadow shifted ahead of them. Amanda's dagger was in her hand before she even registered the movement. "Come out," she commanded, her voice cutting through the stillness.
For a moment, there was no response. Then, a figure stepped into view—a man clad in dark leather armor, his face obscured by a hood. His stance was relaxed, but Amanda could see the tension in his frame, like a coiled spring ready to strike.
"Impressive," the man said, his voice smooth and laced with mock admiration. "Not many can sense me before I strike".
Amanda didn't lower her weapon. "Who are you?"
The man chuckled, his hands raised in a mock gesture of surrender. "Just a messenger. I bring news from those who seek you".
Eryndor stepped forward, his eyes blazing. "If you're here to threaten her, you won't leave alive".
The man tilted his head, seemingly unfazed. "Threaten? No, no. I wouldn't dare. I'm simply here to deliver a warning. The nobles—your enemies—are hunting you. And they're not holding back this time".
Amanda's grip tightened on her dagger. "Tell me something I don't know."
The man smirked. "They've sent scouts, trackers, and mercenaries—some of the best gold can buy. But that's not all. They're also targeting anyone you've ever been associated with. Villages, merchants, anyone who might've sheltered you".
A flicker of anger crossed Amanda's face, but she masked it quickly. "And why are you telling me this? What do you gain?"
The man's smile widened, his teeth gleaming in the dappled sunlight. "Let's just say I have a vested interest in seeing you survive, Amanda.
There are forces in this world far greater than the nobles, and some of us find your… potential quite intriguing".
"Who do you work for?" Amanda demanded, her voice like ice.
The man simply shrugged. "That's a question for another time. For now, consider this a courtesy".
Fenris growled again, stepping closer to Amanda, his teeth bared. The man chuckled. "I'll take my leave. But remember this, Amanda: the nobles aren't your only enemies. The world is watching you now".
With that, he stepped back into the shadows, his form vanishing as if he'd never been there.
Eryndor let out a breath, his shoulders tense. "Who was that? What did he mean by 'the world is watching'?"
Amanda sheathed her dagger, her expression unreadable. "It doesn't matter. We can't waste time. If the nobles are targeting innocent people, we need to keep moving. Staying in one place will only make it easier for them to find us".
Eryndor hesitated but nodded. "Where do we go now?"
Amanda looked toward the horizon, her crimson eyes burning with resolve. "We head for the ruins he mentioned. If the nobles are pushing this hard, they'll make mistakes. And when they do, we'll be ready".
Fenris let out a low huff, as if in agreement.
The group pressed on, leaving the grove behind. Amanda's thoughts churned as they walked, the stranger's words echoing in her mind. She didn't trust him, but his warning couldn't be ignored.
If the nobles thought they could break her by targeting the weak, they were wrong. Amanda had no intention of running forever. The time would come when she would face them—and when she did, they would regret ever crossing her.
The forest seemed to hold its breath as they disappeared into its depths, the faint glow of Amanda's demonic aura the only trace of their passage.