Leo and Amber pressed forward through the dense forest, their pace quickening with every passing moment. The light filtering through the canopy began to fade, signaling the fast-approaching night.
"We have to get out before dark," Leo said, his voice firm. "According to Lisa's book, this forest is home to mythical creatures and monsters. They hunt anything they see after sundown."
Amber nodded, gripping her sword tightly. "The nearest city is Boneveil, but it's still far. If we don't make it in time..."
Leo cut her off. "Then we run. No stopping."
They broke into a sprint, weaving between trees and leaping over roots. The air grew colder, and shadows seemed to stretch and twist around them. Their breaths came in gasps as exhaustion set in, but they didn't dare slow down.
Meanwhile, in Boneveil, the mysterious figure who had saved them sat calmly in a dimly lit bar. He leaned back in his chair, sipping a mug of beer as he watched the patrons around him.
At the next table, a masked man leaned forward, his voice low. "What do you think about them?"
The mysterious figure chuckled, setting his mug down. "The boy's clever, but he's got a long way to go. He's not ready yet."
The masked man nodded, his tone unreadable. "They'll likely arrive at midnight. Keep an eye on them and report anything unusual."
With a snap of his fingers, the masked man vanished into thin air, leaving the mysterious figure alone with his thoughts.
Back in the forest, Leo and Amber's energy was nearly spent. Every step felt like a battle as their muscles screamed for rest.
"I can't… run anymore," Amber panted, slowing to a halt.
Leo grabbed her arm, pulling her forward. "Just a little more. We're almost there!"
With one final push, they broke free of the forest's grasp. Stumbling onto the open plains, they collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily.
"We made it," Amber whispered, relief washing over her.
But then, her eyes darted back to the forest. Dozens of glowing eyes watched them from the shadows, unblinking and predatory.
"Leo," she said, her voice trembling. "We need to get out of here. Now."
They hurried onward, finally reaching Boneveil under the cover of midnight. The city was eerily quiet, its streets cloaked in darkness. They found an inn and booked separate rooms, collapsing into their beds without even eating.
The next morning, Amber was the first to wake. She waited for Leo in the inn's restaurant, sipping water and glancing at the clock. Hours passed, and Leo still didn't show.
Growing worried, she went to his room and knocked. When there was no answer, she pushed the door open and found it empty. His belongings were there, but Leo was gone.
Panic set in as Amber searched the city, asking anyone she could find if they'd seen him. Her efforts were fruitless, and as night fell again, she returned to the inn, exhausted and defeated.
As she prepared to sleep, a knock at her door startled her. Sword in hand, she opened it cautiously, only to find Leo standing there, injured and barely able to stay upright.
"Leo!" she gasped, pulling him inside. She treated his wounds and helped him into bed.
The next morning, Leo awoke to find his head heavy and his body aching. His wounds were bandaged, and Amber was asleep by the door, blocking it.
A small smile crossed his face. "Thank you," he murmured softly.
But his expression hardened as he got up. He grabbed his sword and opened the window, muttering to himself. "I'm sorry, Amber. I didn't have a choice."
With a swift motion, he jumped out, landing safely and running toward the city's north gate.
Amber's eyes snapped open. She'd only pretended to sleep and had heard everything. Quietly, she grabbed her gear and followed him.
From the shadows, she watched as Leo met a cloaked figure near the city gates. Without a word, they headed toward the Dark Forest. Amber trailed them, careful not to be seen.
The journey led to a strange clearing deep in the forest, where a large cave loomed beside a lake filled with the rotting bodies of monstrous creatures. Amber hid behind some bushes, her heart racing.
Leo drew his sword and faced the cloaked figure. "I'm ready."
The figure chuckled. "Show me. Prove you're worth my time."
The two began to duel, the sound of clashing steel ringing out across the clearing. The cloaked figure was fast and skilled, but Leo held his ground, his movements sharper than Amber had ever seen.
Amber's confusion grew. Was this a secret training session? Who was this person, and what were they teaching Leo?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden bark from behind. She spun around to see a stray dog, its eyes fixed on her.
"Shh!" she hissed, but it was too late.
The barking drew Leo's attention, and his eyes locked onto hers. "Amber?!"
The cloaked figure lowered his sword, turning toward the bushes. "Well, well. Looks like we have company."
Amber stepped out of her hiding spot, her sword drawn. "Leo, what's going on? Who is this?"
Leo hesitated, guilt flashing across his face. "Amber, I can explain—"
The cloaked figure interrupted, his tone amused. "No need. She's already involved now. Might as well see how she fares."
Amber narrowed her eyes. "Who are you?"
The figure only smiled. "You'll find out soon enough."