Chapter Twelve
Just as they breach the threshold of the forest floor, the vines tighten, creating a soft embrace that absorbs the impact. They land gently, unfurling from their leafy prison-like rose petals kissed by the dawn. The forest stands still as if holding its breath, awash in a symphony of rustling leaves and distant birdsong.
Lilith barely noticed the scars etched into her skin from the sharp branches of the fall. Her heart raced as she rushed to Miles, kneeling beside him with urgency. Determined, she placed her hands over his wounds, and suddenly, a brilliant green light burst forth from her palms, illuminating the forest surroundings. Miles's injuries began to close up.
Back on the deck of the ship, the tension crackled like a raging storm. Crimson lunged forward, throwing a powerful punch aimed directly at Junk. But Junk was ready; with a fluid motion, he sidestepped the attack, his eyes flashing as he seized Crimson's wrist. With a swift yank, he pulled Crimson off balance and delivered a brutal kick to his stomach. A gasp escaped Crimson's lips as he doubled over, blood splattering onto the wooden deck, the salty air mixing with the coppery scent of his injury.
With a fierce determination blazing in his eyes, Junk raised his hand skyward and summoned an ice ball that sparkled like a gemstone in the bright sunlight. With a swift motion, he hurled it into the clouds above. Out of nowhere, a massive anchor plummeted from the heavens, crashing onto the ship with a thunderous boom. Junkie, eyes gleaming with enthusiasm, descended to the deck and scanned the surroundings. "Awesome, brother! But where's the other one?" he called out to Junk.
"I tossed him overboard!" Junk replied, an infectious grin lighting up his face.
Crimson sprang to his feet, conjuring a gleaming sword with resolve etched across his features. "Looks like someone's not ready to throw in the towel," Junkie quipped, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"Junk! Go down there and make sure his friend is finished!" Junkie commanded, a fire of battle burning within him. "I'll handle this one!
"Right away, brother!" Junk responded with enthusiasm. He bolted to the edge of the ship, leaping overboard like a shooting star, and activated his ice magic, defying gravity as he glided through the air. The thrill of the chase was on!
Miles wake up; Miles jolts awake to the sound of Lilith's urgent exclamation. As he blinks against the sunlight filtering through the leaves, he realizes they are surrounded by towering trees in an unfamiliar forest. "Where on earth are we?" he demands, panic creeping into his voice.
"I don't know, but we need to move!" Lilith replies, her eyes scanning the canopy above. She spots something—or someone—drawing closer. "Get up! Now!" Her voice crackles with urgency as she yanks him to his feet.
Without a moment's hesitation, she pulls him toward a massive tree with a gaping entrance in its trunk. "In here!" she insists, practically shoving him inside. "You need to stay put. You don't have a weapon, and you'll just slow me down."
"Why? What did you see?" Miles asked Lilith.
"I don't know, but I'm sure it or he is not here to help," she replies.
Lilith reaches into her boot and produces a sleek dual knife, its blades glinting ominously in the dappled sunlight. Miles catches a glimpse of the scars that mark her body from their recent fall and protests, "But you're hurt! You're not ready to fight!"
With an unwavering gaze, she offers him a confident smile. "I've battled worse and trust me, I can handle one guy on my own."
Just then, they hear the crunch of footsteps just outside their hiding place. Lilith's expression shifts to grim determination as she leans closer to Miles. "Stay safe, and I'll be right back," she whispers, before slipping out into the shadows, ready to face the danger that lies ahead.