The journey through the Emberwood was grueling. The heat pressed down on them like a physical weight, and the air was thick with ash. Despite their progress, Kael couldn't shake the feeling that someone—or something—was following them.
"Keep your guard up," he said, glancing over his shoulder.
Varyn nodded, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. "I've noticed it too. Whatever it is, it's been tailing us since we left the sanctuary."
Marlen smirked. "If it wanted to attack, it would've done so by now. Let's not waste time worrying about shadows."
But Kael wasn't convinced.
---
As night fell, they set up camp near a shallow stream. The Emberwood's glow bathed the area in an eerie light, casting long shadows across the ground.
Kael volunteered for the first watch, his senses on high alert. Hours passed in relative silence until a rustling sound broke the stillness.
He stood, drawing his sword as his eyes scanned the darkness.
"Show yourself," he said, his voice steady.
From the shadows emerged a figure cloaked in black, their face obscured by a mask. They moved with fluid grace, their presence both unsettling and captivating.
"Who are you?" Kael demanded, his grip tightening on his weapon.
The figure tilted their head, their voice soft and melodic. "A friend. Or an enemy. That depends on you."
Before Kael could respond, the figure darted forward, their movements impossibly fast. Kael barely managed to block their strike, the clash of metal echoing through the forest.
The sound woke Varyn and Marlen, who leapt to their feet, weapons drawn.
"Another one of your friends, Marlen?" Varyn growled.
"Not mine," Marlen replied, his daggers glinting in the firelight.
The figure moved with uncanny precision, evading their attacks with ease. But as the fight dragged on, Kael began to notice something strange. The figure wasn't trying to kill them—they were testing them.
Finally, Kael managed to disarm the figure, his sword at their throat. "Enough. Who are you?"
The figure chuckled, removing their mask to reveal a young woman with sharp features and piercing green eyes.
"My name is Seris," she said, her tone calm despite her position. "And I've been sent to help you."