Mary Ann rolled her eyes but didn't respond, focusing instead on the final patches of disturbed earth. The air around them grew still, the eerie remnants of the fight now completely erased. Just as Mary Ann finished her work, the faint sound of footsteps reached their ears.
The group stilled, their senses sharpening. Moments later, a figure emerged from the forest path—a travelling priest dressed in the modest robes of the temple. His wide-brimmed hat cast shadows over his face, but his startled expression was clear as day.
The priest's gaze darted between the trio and the surrounding area, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "What brings you all here?" he asked, his tone cautious. "This is hardly a safe place for travelers, especially not at this hour."
