The trek back down the mountain felt more ominous than their ascent. The air was still, the kind of silence that pressed against your ears and made you question every movement. Jack couldn't shake the sensation that something was watching them.
"You feel that?" he asked, gripping the hilt of his sword instinctively.
Darian glanced back at him, his face a mask of calm, though his fingers gripped his staff tightly. "Feel what?"
Jack frowned. "Like… we're not alone."
Darian sighed, his voice low. "It's the sanctuary. The wards have a presence. They don't just protect what's inside—they make sure no one who shouldn't be here lingers too long. Let's keep moving."
Jack nodded, though the explanation didn't comfort him. Every step down the rocky path felt heavier, like unseen eyes were boring into his back. He quickened his pace, sticking close to Darian.
The forest at the mountain's base was just as foreboding as when they'd entered it days ago. The thick canopy blocked most of the morning sunlight, casting everything in a greenish haze. As they pushed through the undergrowth, Jack finally broke the silence.
"So, that's it? We just leave the Revenant locked up in there and hope no one comes poking around?"
"It's the best we can do," Darian replied, his tone clipped. "The sanctuary's wards are among the strongest in the known world. Nothing short of another Revenant-tier entity could break through them."
"Comforting," Jack muttered. "But what if someone dumb like me finds it and decides to poke it? You know, for fun."
Darian smirked. "If they manage to survive the mountain, evade the traps, and bypass the wards, they'll have earned their doom."
Jack rolled his eyes. "Great. Let's just hope nobody else is that unlucky."
They walked for hours, the dense forest gradually giving way to open fields. The sense of unease that had plagued Jack began to fade, replaced by the fatigue of days of travel. By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, they reached a small riverbank and decided to camp for the night.
Jack gathered firewood while Darian prepared their meager rations. As the fire crackled and warmth spread through the air, Jack leaned back against a fallen log, letting out a contented sigh.
"I've been meaning to ask," Jack said, staring at the stars overhead. "How did you even know about that sanctuary? Seems like the kind of thing most people wouldn't know exists."
Darian poked at the fire with a stick, his expression thoughtful. "I've studied magical lore most of my life," he said. "The sanctuary was mentioned in an old text I read years ago. I didn't think I'd ever need to find it."
"And yet, here we are," Jack said. "So, what's next for you? Back to the apothecary?"
Darian shook his head. "No. After what's happened, I can't go back to a quiet life. The Revenant wasn't the first ancient force to reawaken, and it won't be the last. I need to make sure I'm ready for whatever comes next."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like a fancy way of saying you're looking for trouble."
Darian chuckled. "Maybe. But after everything we've been through, I think trouble has a way of finding me."
Jack considered this for a moment before nodding. "Fair enough. And here I thought I'd be retiring after this. Maybe a nice little farm somewhere, no shadows or monsters."
"You?" Darian asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. "A farmer?"
"Why not?" Jack said, grinning. "I've fought enough monsters for one lifetime. I think I've earned some peace and quiet."
Darian smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Let's hope you get it."
The next morning, they continued their journey back to the village. The devastation left by the Revenant was a stark reminder of the battle they'd fought. Entire sections of the town were still in ruins, though the villagers had made significant progress in clearing debris and beginning repairs.
As they entered the town square, a small crowd gathered to greet them. The old man with the gray beard stepped forward, his expression filled with gratitude.
"You've returned," he said, his voice warm. "Thank you—for everything."
Jack waved a hand dismissively. "Don't thank us yet. There's still a lot of work to do here."
The old man smiled. "We're managing. Your actions gave us hope, and that's more than enough."
Darian nodded, though his gaze lingered on the broken buildings and weary faces of the townsfolk. "The Revenant is sealed," he said. "But the world is full of dangers like it. If you ever need aid, send word."
The old man bowed his head. "You're always welcome here."
Jack and Darian spent the rest of the day helping with repairs. Jack found himself hauling timber and clearing rubble alongside the villagers, his muscles burning with the effort but his heart lighter than it had been in days. For the first time, he felt like he was doing something that truly mattered.
As the sun set, the pair prepared to leave. Darian stood at the edge of the village, his pack slung over one shoulder, his staff glowing faintly in the twilight.
"You sure you want to leave already?" Jack asked, adjusting his own pack.
"There's no time to waste," Darian replied. "The Revenant was just one piece of a larger puzzle. I need to understand what's happening."
Jack nodded slowly. "And you think this is… what? A pattern? Something bigger?"
Darian's expression darkened. "I don't know. But magic like the Revenant's doesn't just reappear without reason. Something—or someone—is stirring forces best left forgotten."
Jack sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Guess that means I won't be retiring anytime soon."
Darian smiled faintly. "You're welcome to join me, you know. I could use someone with your… talents."
Jack laughed. "What, running headfirst into danger? That's my talent?"
"It's worked so far," Darian said, his tone light but sincere.
Jack hesitated, glancing back at the village. He'd grown fond of the people here, but the idea of returning to his old life—wandering aimlessly, taking odd jobs—didn't appeal to him. And as much as he hated to admit it, the thought of leaving Darian to face the unknown alone didn't sit well with him.
"Fine," he said finally. "But if I end up cursed, it's on you."
Darian grinned. "Deal."
The two set off into the fading light, their path uncertain but their purpose clear. The Revenant was sealed, but the echoes of its presence lingered in their minds. They knew the world was changing, and whatever came next, they would face it together.
As they disappeared into the horizon, the first stars began to twinkle overhead, and the village behind them slowly returned to its quiet routine. But somewhere, far beyond the reach of their journey, shadows stirred once more.