The air in the secluded grove was heavy with tension. Kaelron and his companions huddled around a small fire, its flickering light illuminating their weary faces. Ignis, Frostbane, and Umbra stood vigil at the edge of the camp, their alert stances reflecting the group's shared unease.
Nyx sat with her back against a tree, her breathing uneven as she clutched her arm, still crackling faintly with residual energy from the orb. Kaelron knelt beside her, his brow furrowed in concern.
"Let me see," he said softly.
Nyx hesitated but relented, pulling back her sleeve to reveal dark veins snaking along her skin. The corruption pulsed faintly, sending ripples of discomfort through her body.
"It's spreading slowly," Kaelron murmured, his voice grim. "We need to get you help."
"I'll be fine," Nyx replied, her tone sharp despite the pain. "We have bigger problems right now."
Kaelron frowned but didn't argue. He turned his attention to Zerin, who was carefully unfolding a bundle of singed papers he had salvaged during his chase.
"What did you find?" Kaelron asked.
Zerin glanced up, his usual smirk replaced with a serious expression. "A mix of ledgers, correspondence, and maps. Most of it's damaged, but there are a few names and locations we can work with."
He held up a partially intact letter. "This one mentions a Lord Haldric. He's listed as a key supporter, providing funds and resources to the Veilborn Order. If he's working with the cult, we need to pay him a visit."
Eryk, leaning against a nearby tree with Frostbane at his side, crossed his arms. "Do we know where to find him?"
Zerin nodded, tapping a map. "Eryndral's neighboring city, Lyndara. It's smaller, but Haldric's estate is heavily fortified. Getting close to him won't be easy."
As the group debated their next move, Nyx winced, clutching her arm tighter. The corruption was taking a toll, her usual sharp focus dulled by pain. Umbra padded over to her side, pressing its head against her leg in a gesture of comfort.
Eryk noticed and stepped closer. "That doesn't look fine to me," he said, gesturing to her arm. "If we don't deal with that soon, you're not going to last long."
Nyx glared at him. "I said I'll manage."
Kaelron placed a hand on her shoulder. "You're strong, Nyx, but we can't risk losing you. There might be healers in Lyndara who can help."
Nyx looked away, her jaw tight. "Fine. But this doesn't change the mission. We deal with Haldric first."
Kaelron exchanged a glance with Eryk and Zerin, silently agreeing to keep an eye on her condition.
The group pored over the salvaged documents, piecing together fragments of the cult's operations. Among the notes was a diagram of shadow-forged weapons, annotated with plans to distribute them to various factions across the Seven Realms.
"This is worse than we thought," Kaelron said, tracing the routes marked on the map. "They're not just targeting nobles. They're arming entire armies."
Eryk frowned. "If that's true, Lyndara might not be the only place we need to hit. There are other cities on this map with similar routes."
Zerin leaned back, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "We'll need more than just a single strike to stop this. If we're going to cut off their supply chain, we need to dismantle it piece by piece."
Nyx, her voice steadier now, added, "Haldric's estate is a good starting point. If he's funding the cult, taking him out will cripple their operations in this region."
Kaelron nodded. "Agreed. But we need to approach carefully. If we rush in, we'll end up in the same situation as tonight—or worse."
As dawn approached, the group began preparing to leave the grove. Ignis stretched her wings, letting out a soft trill as she watched Kaelron pack his belongings. Frostbane sniffed the air, ever alert, while Umbra circled the camp, its movements smooth and deliberate.
"We'll head to Lyndara by the main road," Kaelron said, addressing the group. "It's the fastest route, but we'll need to keep a low profile. The cult might already know we're on the move."
Zerin grinned. "Low profile? That's my specialty."
Eryk rolled his eyes. "Let's hope your 'specialty' doesn't get us caught."
Nyx tightened the straps on her gear, her movements slower than usual. "Once we're in Lyndara, we'll split up. Zerin and Lys can scout Haldric's estate for weak points. Kaelron, Eryk, and I will focus on finding a healer and gathering supplies."
Kaelron hesitated. "Are you sure you'll be up for this?"
Nyx shot him a determined look. "Don't start doubting me now."
---
As the group broke camp and set out, Zerin walked beside Lys, who had been uncharacteristically quiet.
"You've been awfully quiet," Zerin said, his tone light. "Got something on your mind?"
Lys hesitated before replying. "It's just... the cult. The deeper we go, the worse it gets. Sometimes it feels like we're barely making a dent."
Zerin's smirk softened. "We're making more of an impact than you think. The fact they're scrambling to cover their tracks means we're hitting where it hurts."
Lys managed a faint smile. "I hope you're right."
Unbeknownst to the group, a pair of shadowy figures trailed them from a distance, their forms blending seamlessly with the trees. One of them raised a hand, whispering, "They're heading to Lyndara. Inform the others. The Maw's reach will be waiting."
---
As they traveled, Kaelron's mind grew heavy with doubts and exhaustion. While the others conversed in low tones, he found his thoughts drifting to the fragments, the Maw, and the visions he had experienced.
Suddenly, a faint, ethereal voice echoed in his mind, accompanied by a vision of swirling shadows.
"The balance crumbles. The shrines weaken. Find the bonds before the Maw consumes all."
Kaelron stumbled, clutching his staff for support. Ignis let out a concerned trill, nudging him gently.
Nyx noticed and moved closer. "Kaelron? What's wrong?"
He shook his head, the vision fading. "Nothing. Just... tired."
Nyx's sharp gaze lingered on him for a moment before she nodded and returned to the group.
Kaelron glanced at Ignis. Whatever the vision meant, he knew one thing: time was running out.